Ben Sira - - also called Sirach -- also called Ecclesiasticus

Prologue -- (excerpt from Edgar Goodspeed translation in The Apocrypha):
"Since many great things have been communicated to us through the Law and the Prophets, and the others who followed after them. . .my grandfather Jeshua, after attaining considerable proficiency in them, was led to write on his own account something in the line of instruction and wisdom, so that lovers of learning. . .might make still greater progress in living in accordance with the Law. . .I thought it absolutely necessary that I should myself devote diligence and labor to the translation of this book, devoting long hours and expert knowledge . . . for those also, who in the land where they are visiting, being already prepared in character to live in accordance with the Law, desire to advance in learning."
1: 1 - 30
All wisdom comes from the Lord, and remains with him forever. The sands of the sea and the drops of rain and the days of eternity -- who can count them?
The heights of the heavens, and the breadth of the earth, and the deep, and wisdom -- who can track them out?
Wisdom was created before them all, and sound intelligence from eternity. To whom has the source of wisdom been revealed? And who knows her devices?
There is but one who is wise, a very terrible one, seated upon his throne; the Lord Himself created her; He saw her and counted her, and poured her out upon all He made; upon all mankind, as He chose to bestow her; but He supplied her liberally to those who loved Him.
To fear the Lord is a glory and a ground of exultation; a joy and a crown of ecstasy. To fear the Lord delights the heart, and brings gladness and joy and long life. The man who fears the Lord will have a happy end, and be blessed in the day of his death. To fear the Lord is the source of wisdom and she was created with the faithful in the womb. She has built her nest among men as a foundation from eternity, and among their posterity she will be held in trust. To fear the Lord is to be satisfied with wisdom, for she intoxicates them with her fruits. She will fill all their houses with desirable things, and their storehouse with her produce; to fear the Lord is a crown of wisdom, making peace and healing health flourish. He beheld her and counted her; He rained down understanding and sound knowledge, and increased the glory of those who possessed her. To fear the Lord is the root of wisdom, and her branches are long life. Unrighteous anger can never be excused, for the weight of a man's anger drags him down. A patient man will control himself for a while, and afterward joy will break out. He will repress his words for a time, and the lips of many will tell of his understanding. In the storehouses of wisdom there are wise proverbs, but godliness is a detestation to the irreligious. If you desire wisdom, keep the commandments, and the Lord will supply you with her liberally. For to fear the Lord is wisdom and education, and faith and meekness win his approval. Do not disobey the fear of the Lord, and do not approach it with a divided heart. Do not be a hypocrite in the mouths of men, and take heed to your own lips. Do not exalt yourself, or you may fall, and bring disgrace upon yourself; and the Lord will reveal your secrets and prostrate you before all the congregation, because you did not come to the fear of the Lord, but your heart was full of deceit."