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1 All wisdom comes from the Lord, she is with him for ever. |
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2 The sands of the sea, the drops of rain, the days of eternity -- who can count them? |
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3 The height of the sky, the breadth of the earth, the depth of the abyss -- who can explore them? |
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4 Wisdom was created before everything, prudent understanding subsists from remotest ages. |
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5 |
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6 For whom has the root of wisdom ever been uncovered? Her resourceful ways, who knows them? |
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7 |
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8 One only is wise, terrible indeed, |
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9 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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10 as much to each living creature as he chose -- bestowing her on those who love him. |
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11 The fear of the Lord is glory and pride, happiness and a crown of joyfulness. |
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12 The fear of the Lord gladdens the heart, giving happiness, joy and long life. |
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13 For those who fear the Lord, all will end well: on their dying day they will be blessed. |
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14 The basis of wisdom is to fear the Lord; she was created with the faithful in their mothers' womb; |
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15 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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16 The fullness of wisdom is to fear the Lord; she intoxicates them with her fruits; |
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17 she fills their entire house with treasures and their storerooms with her produce. |
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18 The crown of wisdom is to fear the Lord: she makes peace and health flourish. |
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19 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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20 The root of wisdom is to fear the Lord, and her branches are long life. |
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21 |
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22 The rage of the wicked cannot put him in the right, for the weight of his rage is his downfall. |
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23 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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24 Till the time comes he keeps his thoughts to himself, and many a lip will affirm how wise he is. |
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25 Wisdom's treasuries contain the maxims of knowledge, the sinner, however, holds piety in abhorrence. |
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26 If you desire wisdom, keep the commandments, and the Lord will bestow it on you. |
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27 For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and instruction, and what pleases him is faithfulness and gentleness. |
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28 Do not stand out against fear of the Lord, do not practise it with a double heart. |
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29 Do not act a part in public, keep watch over your lips. |
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30 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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