minds. That his grace and mercy are with his saints, and that he hath
respect unto his chosen. The wicked wonder at the godly, and say: What
hath pride profited us? And what good hath riches, with our vaunting,
brought us? All those things are passed away like a shadow. The hope of
the ungodly is like dust that is blown away: but the righteous live for
evermore: their reward is a beautiful crown from the Lord's hand. Wisdom
is easily found of such as seek her, therefore princes must desire her;
for a wise prince is the stay of his people. He that hath Wisdom hath
every good thing. Moreover, by her means man shall obtain immortality,
and leave behind him an everlasting memorial.


THE WISDOM OF JESUS THE SON OF SIRACH; OR ECCLESIASTICUS.


There are two prologues to this book. The first is by an
uncertain author, stating that the book is the compilation of
three hands and is in imitation of the Book of Solomon. The
second prologue is by Jesus, the son of Sirach and grandchild
to Jesus of the same name, who had read the law and the
prophets and other books of the fathers, and had been drawn
himself to write something pertaining to wisdom and learning.
Coming into Egypt when Euergetes was king, Jesus, son of
Sirach, found a book of no small learning and bestowed
diligence and travail to interpret it, and to bring it to an
end. The following are among the precepts given:


All wisdom cometh from the Lord: she is with all flesh according to his
gift. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and driveth away