f this book. It containeth therefore wise sayings, dark
sentences, and parables, and certain particular ancient godly
stories of men that pleased God; also his prayer and song;
moreover, what benefits God had vouchsafed his people, and what
plagues he had heaped upon their enemies. This Jesus did imitate
Solomon, and was no less famous for wisdom and learning, both
being indeed a man of great learning, and so reputed also.

[The Prologue of the Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach.]
Whereas many and great things have been delivered unto us by the law
and the prophets, and by others that have followed their steps,
for the which things Israel ought to be commended for learning
and wisdom; and whereof not only the readers must needs become
skilful themselves, but also they that desire to learn be able
to profit them which are without, both by speaking and writing:
my grandfather Jesus, when he had much given himself to the
reading of the law, and the prophets, and other books of our
fathers, and had gotten therein good judgment, was drawn on also
himself to write something pertaining to learning and wisdom; to
the intent that those which are desirous to learn, and are
addicted to these things, might profit much more in living
according to the law. Wherefore let me intreat you to read it
with favour and attention, and to pardon us, wherein we may seem
to come short of some words, which we have laboured to
interpret. For the same things uttered in Hebrew, and translated
into another tongue, have not the same force in them: and not
only these things, but the law itself, and the prophets, and the
rest of the books, have no small difference, when they are
spoken in their own language. For in the eight and thirtieth
year coming into Egypt, when Euergetes was king, and continuing
there some time, I found a book of no small learning: therefore
I thought it most necessary for me to bestow some diligence and
travail to interpret it; using great watchfulness and skill in
that space to bring the book to an end, and set it forth for
them also, which in a strange country are willing to learn,
being prepared before in manners to live after the law.

Sir 1:1
All wisdom cometh from the Lord, and is with him for ever.

Sir 1:2
Who can number the sand of the sea, and the drops of rain,
and the days of eternity?

Sir 1:3
Who can find out the height of heaven, and the breadth of the
earth, and the deep, and wisdom?

Sir 1:4
Wisdom hat