Sirach 19:18
King James VersionSource notes
“The fear of the Lord is the first step to be accepted of him, and wisdom obtaineth his love.”
Context
15Admonish a friend: for many times it is a slander, and believe not every tale.
16There is one that slippeth in his speech, but not from his heart; and who is he that hath not offended with his tongue?
17Admonish thy neighbour before thou threaten him; and not being angry, give place to the law of the most High.
18The fear of the Lord is the first step to be accepted of him, and wisdom obtaineth his love.
19The knowledge of the commandments of the Lord is the doctrine of life: and they that do things that please him shall receive the fruit of the tree of immortality.
20The fear of the Lord is all wisdom; and in all wisdom is the performance of the law, and the knowledge of his omnipotency.
21If a servant say to his master, I will not do as it pleaseth thee; though afterward he do it, he angereth him that nourisheth him.