All wisdom comes from the Lord and endures with him for ever.
The grains of sand, the drops of rain and the days of eternity, who can count them?
The height of heaven, the extent of the earth and the depths of the abyss, who can measure them?
Wisdom was created before all things and the prudent intellect before the beginning of time.
To whom was the source of Wisdom revealed? Who has known her secret designs?
One alone is wise and greatly to be feared. The One who is seated upon his throne.
The Lord himself created Wisdom. He looked on her and knew her value. He poured her out over all his works; upon all mortal beings, in accordance with his goodness. He lavished her on those who love him.
The fear of the Lord is our glory and honor, it is joy and a triumphant crown.
The fear of the Lord gladdens the heart; it gives joy, gaiety and long life.
For the one who fears the Lord all will go well at the end of his life, and he will be blessed on the day of his death.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; he put wisdom into the hearts of his faithful ones before their birth.
Sirach 1:1-14
Annotation:
To fear God is to see him always present and to take decisions in his presence. Whoever knows God is near fears to offend him because he is aware of his love and fidelity. To fear God signifies to respect him and be mindful of him before all else.