Ben Sira 1:1-4

1 All wisdom is from the Lord, and with him it remains forever.
2 The sand of the sea, the drops of rain, and the days of eternity—who can count them?
3 The height of heaven, the breadth of the earth, the abyss, and wisdom —who can search them out?
4 Wisdom was created before all other things, and prudent understanding from eternity.

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. Other ancient authorities read [the depth of the abyss]
  • [b]. Other ancient authorities add as verse 5, [The source of wisdom is God's word in the highest heaven, and her ways are the eternal commandments.]
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.