reading in the Apocrypha

All wisdom is from the Lord, 
and with him it remains forever. 
The sand of the sea, the drops of rain, 
and the days of eternity—who can count them? 
The height of heaven, the breadth of the earth, 
the abyss, and wisdom—who can search them out? 
Wisdom was created before all other things, 
and prudent understanding from eternity.
The root of wisdom—to whom has it been revealed? 
Her subtleties—who knows them?
There is but one who is wise, greatly to be feared, 
seated upon his throne—the Lord. 
It is he who created her; 
he saw her and took her measure; 
he poured her out upon all his works, 
upon all the living according to his gift; 
he lavished her upon those who love him.
The fear of the Lord is glory and exultation, 
and gladness and a crown of rejoicing. 
The fear of the Lord delights the heart, 
and gives gladness and joy and long life.
- Sirach 1.1-12.  http://ref.ly/Sir1.1 

I am a Protestant, so while I do not consider this canonical, it is still valuable to read and reflect upon.