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[The Law, the Prophets, and the other writers succeeding them have passed on to us great lessons, in consequence of which Israel must be commended for learning and wisdom. Furthermore, it is a duty, not only to acquire learning by reading, but also, once having acquired it, to make oneself of use to people outsideby what one can say or write. My grandfather Jesus, having long devoted himself to the readingof the Law, the Prophetsand other books of the Fathersand having become very learned in them, himself decided to write something on the subjects of learning and wisdom, so that people who wanted to learn might, by themselves accepting these disciplines, learn how better to live according to the Law. You are therefore askedto read this bookwith good will and attentionand to show indulgencein those places where, notwithstanding our efforts at interpretation, we may seemto have failed to give an adequate rendering of this or that expression;the fact is that there is no equivalentfor things originally written in Hebrew when it is a question of translating them into another language;what is more, the Law itself, the Prophetsand the other booksdiffer considerably in translation from what appears in the original text. It was in the thirty-eighth year of the late King Euergetesthat, coming to Egypt and spending some time here, and finding life here consistent with a high degree of wisdom, I became convinced of an immediate duty to apply myself in my turn with pains and diligence to the translation of the book that follows;and I spent much time and learning on itin the course of this period, to complete the work and to publish the bookfor the benefit of those too who, domiciled abroad, wish to study, to reform their behaviour, and to live as the Law requires.] All wisdom comes from the Lord, she is with him for ever.
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The sands of the sea, the drops of rain, the days of eternity -- who can count them?
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The height of the sky, the breadth of the earth, the depth of the abyss -- who can explore them?
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Wisdom was created before everything, prudent understanding subsists from remotest ages.
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For whom has the root of wisdom ever been uncovered? Her resourceful ways, who knows them?
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One only is wise, terrible indeed,
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seated on his throne, the Lord. It was he who created, inspected and weighed her up, and then poured her out on all his works-
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as much to each living creature as he chose -- bestowing her on those who love him.
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The fear of the Lord is glory and pride, happiness and a crown of joyfulness.
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The fear of the Lord gladdens the heart, giving happiness, joy and long life.
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For those who fear the Lord, all will end well: on their dying day they will be blessed.
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The basis of wisdom is to fear the Lord; she was created with the faithful in their mothers' womb;
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she has made a home in the human race, an age -- old foundation, and to their descendants will she faithfully cling.
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The fullness of wisdom is to fear the Lord; she intoxicates them with her fruits;
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she fills their entire house with treasures and their storerooms with her produce.
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The crown of wisdom is to fear the Lord: she makes peace and health flourish.
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The Lord has seen and assessed her, he has showered down knowledge and intelligence, he has exalted the renown of those who possess her.
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The root of wisdom is to fear the Lord, and her branches are long life.
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The rage of the wicked cannot put him in the right, for the weight of his rage is his downfall.
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A patient person puts up with things until the right time comes: but his joy will break out in the end.
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Till the time comes he keeps his thoughts to himself, and many a lip will affirm how wise he is.
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Wisdom's treasuries contain the maxims of knowledge, the sinner, however, holds piety in abhorrence.
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If you desire wisdom, keep the commandments, and the Lord will bestow it on you.
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For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and instruction, and what pleases him is faithfulness and gentleness.
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Do not stand out against fear of the Lord, do not practise it with a double heart.
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Do not act a part in public, keep watch over your lips.
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Do not grow too high and mighty, for fear you fall and cover yourself in disgrace; for the Lord would then reveal your secrets and overthrow you before the whole community for not having practised fear of the Lord and for having a heart full of deceit.
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