Ecclesiasticus, 1

27. When I came to Egypt in the thirty-eighth year of the reign of Euergetes and stayed for some time, I found opportunity for no little instruction. It seemed highly necessary that I should myself devote some pains and labor to the translation of the following book, using in that period of time great watchfulness and skill in order to complete and publish the book for those living abroad who wished to gain learning, being prepared in character to live according to the law.

Versi relativi a Ecclesiasticus, 1:

Ecclesiastical 1 presents a discourse that highlights the importance of wisdom and fear of God as fundamental to a happy and successful life. The chapter also urges the reader to avoid pride and arrogance, and to have humility and pity. Below are five verses related to these themes:

Proverbs 1:7: "The fear of the Lord is the principle of knowledge, but the fools despise wisdom and discipline." This verse emphasizes the importance of fear of God, which is mentioned several times in ecclesiastical 1, such as the beginning of wisdom and knowledge.

James 1:5: "If any of you have a lack of wisdom, ask it to God, who gives all freely, goodwill; and will be granted." This verse points out that wisdom comes from God and can be obtained through prayer and humility, a theme present in ecclesiastical 1.

1 Peter 5:5: "Similarly, you who are younger, subject yourself to the elders. All of you are searched with humility to each other, because 'God is opposed to the proud, but grants grace to the humble' . " This verse encourages humility and subjection to the elders, which are also approached in ecclesiastical 1 as important characteristics of a wise life.

Proverbs 16:18: "Pride precedes destruction; arrogance precedes the fall." This verse warns against the danger of pride and arrogance, which are strongly condemned in ecclesiastical 1, and presented as impediments to wisdom and happiness.

Psalm 34:11: "Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord." This verse echoes the central theme of Ecclesiastical 1, which is the importance of fear of God as the beginning of wisdom. The psalmist here encourages children to learn this wisdom.