Sirach 25:12
King James VersionSource notes
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of his love: and faith is the beginning of cleaving unto him.”
Context
9Well is him that hath found prudence, and he that speaketh in the ears of them that will hear:
10O how great is he that findeth wisdom! yet is there none above him that feareth the Lord.
11But the love of the Lord passeth all things for illumination: he that holdeth it, whereto shall he be likened?
12The fear of the Lord is the beginning of his love: and faith is the beginning of cleaving unto him.
13Give me any plague, but the plague of the heart: and any wickedness, but the wickedness of a woman:
14And any affliction, but the affliction from them that hate me: and any revenge, but the revenge of enemies.
15There is no head above the head of a serpent; and there is no wrath above the wrath of an enemy.