Sirach/Ecclesiasticus

By Mary Jane Chaignot

Name
The last book of the Apocrypha is known by many names. Some commentaries refer to it as "Sira," which is the Hebrew family name of the author. In Greek, the family name is "Sirach." Other scholars add "The Wisdom of Jesus the son of Sirach" or "Wisdom of Ben (son of) Sirach." Finally, "Ecclesiasticus" comes from the Latin translation and is commonly used in English. Scholars think it might mean "church book" or "belonging to the church," but it is to be distinguished from the canonical wisdom book of Ecclesiastes. His text is regarded as canonical by Catholics and Orthodox Christians.

Introduction
Sirach is not only the longest book in the Apocrypha, but it is also the only book named for its author, Jesus Ben (which means "son of") Sira. In his writings, Ben Sira manages to combine secular wisdom with biblical wisdom. Most of the book consists of short blocks of sayings on a variety of topics. The book was originally written in Hebrew, but it was translated into Greek by the author's nephew in 117 BCE. The two versions are remarkably similar.

Authorship and Date
Jesus Ben (son of) Sira was a religious teacher and scribe in Jerusalem around 200-180 BCEm which was a volatile time for the Hebrew people. The Selucid king wrested Palestine away from Ptolemaic control in 198 BCE. Initially, people were enthusiastic about this new leadership because they had chafed under the Ptolemys. But they would soon learn that the Selucid kings were no better, and eventually became much worse. Rather than addressing or confronting these political issues, however, Ben Sira focuses on writing about the timeless value of wisdom. Many scholars see him as a conservative traditionalist because of this. But others think his writings are quite radical.

Most scholars think Ben Sira was a professional scribe. Since he extols the virtue of those who spend their whole day in pursuit of knowledge of the Lord, it is doubtful that he had any other profession. He considers himself an experienced sage who has plenty to share with the youth of his day. He might have been teaching the sons of affluent Jews in a formalized school or from his house.

Historical Context
Ben Sira writes about Simon the High Priest (reigned 219-196 BCE) in the past tense. But he mentions nothing about the insurrection of the high priesthood orchestrated by Jason, the youngest son of SimonThis was a time of prosperity in Jerusalem. But the world was changing and many Jews were agitating for more Hellenization - adoption of the Greek way of life- that would bring more opportunities for trade and political interaction.

Initially, Simon was succeeded by his son, Onias, who reigned from 196-175 BCE. Onias was renowned for being very observant of the Torah and making obedience to it the priority of Jewish life. But when Antiochus IV took the throne in 175 BCE, he immediately replaced Onias with his brother, Jason, who promised to promote more Hellenization. Jason, however, obtained his position by offering Antiochus a high price for the priesthood instead of through the normal succession. This was very significant and increased the fissure among those Jews who believed in the sanctity of succession and those who wanted a more Hellenized city. Since Ben Sira is silent on all this turmoil, it probably means he lived before this happened.

Purpose and Audience
Ben Sira is writing when people are aware of Hellenization but still committed to their Jewish roots, including the study of the Torah. Given that his words are addressed to the youth, however, it is also likely that many of them were being drawn to the Greek way of life. No doubt this had some effect on his message. But like many wisdom writers before him, Ben Sira is concerned with guiding the youth in how to make their way in the world, how to live an honorable life, and how to be happy domestically and professionally. He maintains that this could only happen if one adhered to the covenant with the God of Israel.

Summary of Contents
Ben Sira's teachings are rooted in the attainment of Wisdom and the "fear of the Lord". He doesn't want his students to be successful just by the world's standards - he also wants them to be successful by God's standards. Wealth gained apart from doing God's will is worthless. The best way to do God's will is to be faithful to the Jewish ancestral traditions.

Ben Sira doesn't discount the difficulty of adhering to the Torah and understands that his students are challenged, distressed or even fearful. They might see their contemporaries living lives of ease and might be tempted to forego the study of the Torah to make a quick buck. Instead, they must hold fast, surround themselves with like-minded friends and redouble their commitment to the Torah. Students should be prepared for these trials because the reward for overcoming them is well worth the effort.

As a result, much of Ben Sira's writings include admonitions against the dangers of slander, gossip, insincere friends, and indulging one's passions. His topics range from how to behave at a dinner party to how to manage your money. His pupils are taught to be honorable in business and to avoid idleness. There is also a section on household management, including the treatment of slaves and children.

Lest one think this is all of a secular nature, Ben Sira is anxious to promote Jewish piety throughout. It is an essential component of life and cannot be separated from day-to-day realities. He attributes absolute control to God and reflects repeatedly on God as Creator of all. His main source for his writings was, of course, the Hebrew Scriptures. He uses proverbs, prayers, hymns, and questions-and-answers.

Women
A word needs to be said about Ben Sira's teachings about women. The good news is that more than 100 verses are dedicated to women; the bad news is that most of them are very negative.

According to Ben Sira, women fall into five main categories: a good wife, a mother/widow, a bad wife, the adulteress/prostitute, and a daughter. The good wife garners only ten of his verses and nothing is said from her point of view. She is "good" because she is silent, obedient, modest, and a valuable "possession" for her husband. Mothers are only mentioned in conjunction with fathers. Widows do need to be cared for, not because it is compassionate but because they will nag you until you do. The lengthy discussion on the "bad wife" culminates in a list of evils – the "bad wife" is the worst of those evils. Included among her many traits, a bad wife does not make her husband happy (25:23).

It is at this point that we read for the first time in scriptural writings that sin came through a woman. "From a woman, sin had its beginning, and because of her we all die" (25:24). In speaking about the adulteress (a specific example of a bad wife), Ben Sira describes her punishment in considerable detail – a public shaming. But if a man commits adultery, his main worry is having a guilty conscience. And if a man did commit adultery, it was because a woman led him astray.

Nonetheless, it is Ben Sira's treatment of daughters that raises the biggest concerns. Having a daughter is seen as a "loss" for the father. She will probably be headstrong and commit sexual improprieties. The best thing is to keep her as a virtual prisoner in the house until she can be safely married off. He ends this section by saying: "Better is the wickedness of a man than a woman who does good" (42:14).

What do scholars make of all this? Some argue that he was simply a man of his times. He lived in a patriarchal society where the father was the head of the household and he decided everything. Others are less generous and refer to him as a misogynist. He has even been referred to as "male chauvinist pig number one."

The greatest irony, of course, is that Wisdom is always portrayed in feminine terms. Yet he, as well as other wisdom writers, somehow manages to keep Lady Wisdom in a separate category from actual women. Recently, however, scholars have suggested that perhaps Ben Sira's vitriolic speech reflected a growing awareness that times were, indeed, changing. Men no longer had absolute control in the public sphere with the introduction of Greek culture. To make up for losing ground in the public arena, men were encouraged to tighten up things at home. With their sense of honor and manliness already at risk, men were increasingly anxious about female sexuality. Ben Sira's admonitions highlight the ways women can bring disgrace and further damage to a man's sense of honor. This is may start to explain Sira's views about women, but it still seems like it is all about the men. Perhaps, some texts are simply too androcentric to be redeemed.

Conclusion
In his writings, Ben Sira manages to combine secular wisdom with biblical wisdom. Most of the book consists of short blocks of sayings on a variety of topics. He presumes the integrity of the temple, the Torah, and the Jewish way of life. He dedicated himself to that life and believed it would last forever. Little did he know about the turmoil that would descend upon Jerusalem within the next few decades. One wonders whether he might have said some things differently, or whether he would have been more adamant about adhering to the covenant and the law of the Most High, if he knew that changes were coming.

Structure
There is no consensus on how this book is arranged, because of its diverse content. But for our purposes, we will divide it into ten sections.

  1. 1:1-10:3 – The Ways of Wisdom;
  2. 10:4-18:29 – Man's Life under Divine Protection;
  3. 18:30-23:27 -- Prudence and Self Discipline;
  4. 24:1-25:12 – In Praise of Wisdom;
  5. 25:13-34:12 – Thoughts on Social Behavior;
  6. 34:13-36:17 – The Piety and Mercy of God;
  7. 36:18-42:14 – Man in Society;
  8. 42:15-43:33 – The Wonders of Creation;
  9. 44:1-50:29 – Heroes of Israel's Past;
  10. 51:1-30 -- Epilogue.

I –1:1-10:3 – The Ways of Wisdom;

  • 1:1-10
    • Wisdom is the creation of God
    • Wisdom is not the accumulation of human experience
    • Wisdom was there before God created the world
    • God gave wisdom to the world – to all mankind in some measure
    • But it was because of God's love for the Jews that He chose to reveal His law and wisdom to them
  • 1:11-21
    • Fear of God is the way to wisdom
    • Fear of the Lord means "warmth, personal trust and reverence" for Him
    • God gives long life and prosperity to those who fear Him
    • Wine and storehouses are images of plenty
    • The warmth of this relationship is a two-way street
  • 1:22-30
    • One must maintain self-control and obedience
    • Self-control is necessary for long life
    • Knowing when to speak and when to hold one's tongue is very important
    • Possessing wisdom will help one in deciding this
  • 2:1-6
    • God's people will be tested
    • Gold is assayed by fire; refining separates what is precious from what is worthless
  • 2:7-11
    • The faithful will be successful
    • Those who fear in the Lord can expect mercy, steadfastness, and prosperity
  • 2:12-18
    • Woes and assurances
    • Woe to those who are sinners and feeble-hearted
    • What will they do when the day of reckoning is at hand
    • Those who fear the Lord always try to do His will
  • 3:1-16
    • Children must respect their parents
    • Children who honor their parents will have a long life
    • A man is honored if his father is honored
    • Children must make allowances for their parents in their old age
    • Good deeds regarding their parents will be a credit against their sins
  • 3:17-28
    • Do not be arrogant or filled with pride
    • The greater you are, the humbler you must be
    • There is no point in trying to understand what is secret or hidden
    • This is in contrast to Hellenism, which encouraged free inquiry into everything
    • Stubbornness brings a load of troubles
    • When calamity befalls the arrogant, nothing can be done
  • 3:29-4:10
    • Helping those who are in need
    • Giving generously to the less fortunate is a means of atonement
    • Do not reject the appeal of a man in distress
    • When a poor man speaks to you, give him your attention
    • Be a father to orphans and like a husband to their mothers
  • 4:11-19
    • Wisdom is a teacher
    • Wisdom raises her sons to greatness and cares for those who seek her
    • To love wisdom is to love life
    • She will bring recognition and a secure home to all who seek her
    • Those who stray from her will be abandoned to their fate
  • 4:20-28
    • Decorum in public
    • Speak out when necessary and do not be too self-effacing
    • Never argue against the truth; admit your mistakes
    • If you fight for the truth, God will be on your side
  • 4:29-5:7
    • Regarding self-confidence
    • Too much self-confidence leads to one's downfall
    • Wealth is a sign of God's reward for piety and should lead to gratitude
    • To think of oneself as all powerful puts that person in the place of God
    • There will be no time for atonement on the last day
  • 5:8-6:1
    • Do not be duplicitous with others
    • Do not rely upon ill-gotten gains
    • Do not automatically agree with those who are the most influential
    • Do not change your opinion every time someone pressures you
    • And, above all else, do not gossip
  • 6:2-17
    • Passion and friendship
    • Violent passions destroy the man who harbors them
    • Pleasant words win friends and make many acquaintances
    • Take your time in trusting someone new
    • True friends are hard to find, but a faithful friend is beyond price
  • 6:18-37
    • Searching for wisdom
    • Seeking wisdom is a lifelong occupation
    • It requires great discipline, but the reward is well worth it
  • 7:1-17
    • Warnings in social life
    • Do no evil and evil will not come to you
    • Do not grow weary of praying or neglect the giving of charity
  • 7:18-28
    • Attitudes within the household
    • This section deals with relationships between friends, wives, slaves, children
    • Everyone is a person in his own right and should be treated with respect
  • 7:29-36
    • Religious duties
    • Fear the Lord with all your heart and love him with all your might
    • Support the priesthood (God's workers) and the poor
  • 8:1-19
    • Do not have a wrong attitude towards others
    • This whole section is about not being foolish in a variety of situations
    • Don't have a wrong attitude towards others
    • Don't be too anxious to follow someone's suggestions
    • Be wise about trusting in others
    • Spend your time wisely by learning about wisdom
  • 9:1-10
    • Women
    • Some women are unscrupulous and can lead you astray
    • This would include loose women, prostitutes, and another man's wife
    • A man might fall under their charms and slip into disaster
  • 9:10-10:3
    • Regarding men and politicians
    • Again, a good and trusted friend is invaluable
    • Be careful when dealing with men who are in charge
    • There are good leaders and bad
    • Politicians do with words what craftsmen do with their hands
    • Lack of control has disastrous consequences in both cases

II -- 10:4-18:29 – Man's Life under Divine Protection

  • 10:4-18
    • Against human pride
    • The Lord ultimately chooses those who govern
    • The community is in his hands
    • If one is filled with pride, he should put that energy into public life
    • Whatever is done in public life should be done in humility
  • 10:19-25
    • Who is worthy of honor
    • The man who fears the Lord and keeps His commandments should be honored
    • The man who doesn't do that is worthy of contempt
    • Regardless of one's station in life, a man's only job is to fear the Lord
  • 10:26-11:6
    • Be yourself
    • Keep your self respect but don't boast beyond what you have
    • Don't pretend to be too good for a hard day of work if you have nothing
    • Those who judge by appearances will be condemned
    • Do not boast of a change in fortune; it can change back again
  • 11:7-28
    • Attitudes towards work
    • Think first before you speak
    • Do not engage in so much business that you have no time for the Lord
    • Prosperity is a gift of God; so is poverty
    • Life can change quickly under God's providence
    • Sometimes poorer people take unwise or too many risks
    • It is a travesty if one thinks life holds nothing good for them – God will provide
  • 11:29-12:7
    • Thoughts on being a good host
    • Make sure you know the character of the person you invite into your home
    • Make sure you know the character of the person you try to help
    • Unscrupulous people can take advantage of your kindnesses
    • Help the good man, not the insolent one
  • 12:8-13:1
    • Friends and enemies
    • Enemies will be your friends while you are prosperous
    • Be careful of the company you keep; your enemy can turn on you at any time
    • "Handle pitch and it will make you dirty"
  • 13:2-13
    • Hobnobbing with the rich and the aristocrats
    • Rich people will exploit you as long as they can
    • The minute you have a need, they will vanish
    • Be wise with those who are politically powerful
    • They might ask for your opinion only to use it against you
  • 13:15-23
    • Divisions in society
    • There is no benefit in classes mixing freely
    • Even animals keep to their own kind
    • The rich are used to being treated very differently than the poor
  • 13:24-14:19
    • On wealth and happiness
    • One is happy with wealth that has not been tainted by sin
    • But it is the character of a man that determines his happiness, not his money
    • The ideal man is not miserly
    • Money that is not used properly (for oneself or for others) is a waste
    • Before you die, do good to your friend
    • When you die, all your wealth will be left to others
    • It is better to enjoy it for yourself and others while you are alive
  • 14:20-15:10
    • A wisdom psalm
    • This is similar to Psalm 1
    • It praises the happiness of a man whose life is rich in learning and wisdom
    • This is in great contrast to the man whose life is wicked
    • God will care for those who are faithful and obedient to His commandments
    • The essence of wisdom, again, is fear of the Lord
  • 15:11-20
    • Free will and sin
    • If God is in control of everything, how is it that man sins
    • God implanted in man two impulses – one for good, the other for evil
    • God gave man a freedom of choice, so man is fully responsible for his choices
  • 16:1-5
    • Children are not always a sign of God's blessings
    • If your sons are godless, don't set your heart on having a large family
    • One good son is better than a thousand godless ones
    • Character comes before numbers
  • 16:6-23
    • God's attitude towards sinners
    • A review of history shows that sinners have been regularly punished
    • Both God's anger and His mercy are very reliable
    • Those who spurn his mercy will feel the full impact of his judgment
    • Do not think that God is so busy with the universe that He doesn't see your sin
  • 16:24-17:24
    • God is in control of the universe, the earth, and man
    • God created the universe, the sun, the moon, the stars 
    • They never tire from their eternal order
    • He also filled the earth with good things and created every kind of living creature
    • He created man and gave him dominion over the earth
    • He gave man intelligence and discernment and showed him good and evil
    • They shall praise His holy name
    • Last, but not least, He gave them the law and established a perpetual covenant
    • Their conduct is always before Him
    • In the end, the righteous will be rewarded and the wicked will be judged
    • It is the Lord's desire, however, that all will turn to Him and be saved
  • 17:25-32
    • Segue into a call for repentance
    • Renounce wrongdoing and turn to the Lord
    • Once a man is dead, it is too late
    • Only those who are alive and well can praise God
    • (There is no sense here of a resurrection of the dead)
  • 18:1-14
    • God has mercy on man's weaknesses
    • God has endless power; man does not
    • Nonetheless, God pities man because his life is limited
    • It is His desire that all will turn to Him because He knows what lies ahead
    • His compassion only extends to those who accept discipline and obey His law
  • 18:15-29
    • The need to examine one's life
    • Jewish piety is to be exercised with a spirit of generosity
    • Kind words are sometimes more important than the gift itself
    • People should examine their lives and repent while they still can
    • Things can change quickly between dawn and dusk
    • Do not make promises (or oaths) that you cannot keep
    • So, if you make a vow, fulfill it quickly

III -- 18:30-23:27 -- Prudence and Self Discipline

  • 18:30-19:3
    • On passion and luxury
    • Do not let great luxuries or your passions be your guide
    • Both will rob you of your wits and your recklessness will be your undoing
  • 19:4-17
    • On gossip
    • Never repeat what you hear
    • Tell no tales and never spill a secret
    • If you hear a rumor, let it die with you
    • If someone gossips about you, confront that person
  • 19:20-30
    • On being clever
    • Better to be god-fearing and lack brains than to have intelligence and break the law
    • Again, it is the character, not the outward impression, that makes a difference
    • All of life should be lived in close relation to God
    • Cleverness can lead to good or bad results
  • 20:1-31
    • Carefulness in speech
    • Speaking in the right way and at the right time distinguishes a fool from a wise man
    • The wise man watches his words and uses them appropriately
    • A wise man endears himself when he speaks
    • Even compliments from a foolish man are in vain
    • A foolish man will give small gifts with big sermons 
    • Then he wonders why people laugh at him
    • A proverb is senseless on the lips of a fool
    • A lie is a blot on a man's name
    • The shame of a lie never wears off
    • A wise man advances himself when he speaks
    • He will not be blinded by gifts or insincere words
  • 21:1-11
    • On controlling sin
    • The sinner should ask for pardon and should accept reproof
    • Evil tendencies can be kept under control only by obeying the law
  • 21:12-26
    • Unintelligent people
    • A fool's mind is like a leaky bucket – it can't hold anything
    • A wise man will hear something and learn from it and improve upon it
    • Education means nothing to a fool; it is gold to a wise man
  • 21:27-22:5
    • Three types of immoral behavior
    • Cursing, laziness, and ingratitude are immoral behaviors
    • A spoiled son or an immodest daughter brings grief to a father
  • 22:6-18
    • More on unintelligent people
    • There are many similes from everyday life 
    • Lack of intelligence is contrasted with wisdom
  • 22:19-26
    • Friendship
    • Abuse, scorn, and lies can destroy a friendship quickly
    • Do not turn your back on a friend
  • 22:27-23:15
    • A prayer for self-discipline
    • Ask God to grant requests for discretion and self-discipline
    • Be cautious about making oaths
    • Going back on your word brings trouble to a man's house
    • The pious do not use oaths or coarse language
    • They do not make fools of themselves
  • 23:16-27
    • Adultery
    • An adulterer forgets the eyes of the Lord are upon him
    • Both the man and the woman disobey the law of the Most High
    • There is no repentance for the sin of adultery 

IV -- 24:1-25:12 – In Praise of Wisdom

  • 24:1-12
    • Wisdom in Israel
    • Wisdom is of cosmic significance and has a special link to Jews
    • Here it is identified with the Jewish law
    • Wisdom appeals to men to follow her
  • 24:13-22
    • The fruit of wisdom
    • Using images from nature, wisdom invites men to receive her
    • She is likened to the cedars of Lebanon, date palms, olive trees, etc.
    • Whoever feeds on her will be hungry for more
  • 23:23-29
    • Wisdom as the law
    • Wisdom is identified as the law
    • Studying the law leads to understanding God better
    • Man is dependent on the law for spiritual life
  • 24:30-34
    • Autobiographical note
    • Ben Sira has studied wisdom in order to share it with others
    • He uses the metaphor of irrigation to make his point
  • 25:1-11
    • More proverbs
    • Three men are worthy of hatred: boasters, liars, and adulterers
    • Better to follow wisdom
    • Descriptions of ten happy men: having a good wife, grateful children, wisdom, etc.
    • It all rests on fear of the Lord

V -- 25:13-34:12 – Thoughts on Social Behavior

  • 25:13-26:27
    • Contrasts between a bad wife and a good wife
    • Section on bad wives is three times longer than that on a good wife
    • Here is where we read that "woman is the origin of sin; through her we all die"
    • Previously rabbinic literature put the blame on Adam, not so Ben Sira
    • If a wife does not win a husband's favor, he can give her a note of divorce!
    • A good wife, however, is one of the Lord's gifts
    • There is nothing worse than a jealous wife [though one wonders why she is jealous]
    • A loose woman and a headstrong daughter cause great pain
    • "A silent wife is a gift of the Lord; her restraint is more than money can buy"
  • 26:28-27:10
    • Qualities of a man
    • [There is nothing said about being a good husband]
    • These men are involved in the world and are being tested
    • Businessmen are encouraged to make a profit, though not at the expense of study
    • Some dishonesty is presumed, but a man should make an effort to be honest
    • If a man is honest with others; they will be honest with him
  • 27:11-29
    • More evils of bad speech
    • Poor conversation is the sign of an unintelligent person
    • He speaks before he thinks; he has nothing to say, and he is coarse and vulgar
    • A listing of deceitful speech follows
    • It involves betraying of secrets, gossip, and insincerity
    • Retribution will lie in wait for the arrogant man
  • 27:30-28:7
    • On Divine punishment and forgiveness
    • The vengeful person will have to face the vengeance of God
    • The Lord keeps strict account of one's sins
    • Therefore, forgive your neighbor and be true to the commandments of the Most High
  • 28:8-26
    • Back to evil speech
    • Quarrels are deplorable; they arise from hastiness
    • Gossip is condemned – it brings an evil death
  • 29:1-28
    • On lending money
    • Help those in need, even though they may never repay the loan
    • Be patient with the penniless
    • Again, money is to be used, not hoarded
    • A good man might need to guarantee another man's loan
    • Know the character of the borrower so that the need is genuine
    • An evil man will extort from others
    • Be content with what you have
    • Do not live above your means or live off the hospitality of others
  • 30:1-13
    • On corporal punishment for children
    • "The man who loves his son will whip him often"
    • Ben Sira believes corporal punishment is necessary for properly raising a son
    • Educating children was likened to training animals
    • Fathers who played with their children were an anomaly and would lose the respect of their children
    • "Break him in while he is young, or he will cause you vexation"
  • 30:14-25
    • Health and happiness
    • Health and fitness are better than gold
    • Don't spend your time with sorrow; joy lengthens your life
    • Have a good appetite and relish the food that you eat
  • 31:1-11
    • The problems with wealth
    • The pursuit of money leads a man astray
    • Enjoy the good things of life without anxiety or pride
  • 31:12-32:13
    • Proper behavior at a banquet
    • Be a gentleman and eat moderately
    • But if you can't, then leave the table and go vomit!
    • Don't drink too much; wine has been the ruin of many
    • But wine in moderation brings life to a man
    • If you are presiding at a feast, pay attention to your duties
    • Speak if you are asked, but be brief
    • And certainly give praise to God
  • 32:14-33:6
    • The role of religion in life
    • The genuine student will find satisfaction in studying the law
    • Preparation is key
    • To rely on the law is to obey the commandments
    • To trust God is to want for nothing
  • 33:7-15
    • Contrasts in the nature of God's world
    • The world was created with opposites – good and evil
    • Man can choose which path to follow
    • The works of the Most High go in pairs
  • 33:16-18
    • Autobiographical note
    • Ben Sira was blessed by God with the desire to learn 
    • Hopefully, the community and dignitaries will heed his voice
  • 33:19-31
    • Independence and slavery
    • Look after your own money and give no one power over yourself
    • Keep your slave busy so he won't have time to desire freedom
    • Be nice to him, however, or he might run off
    • [Slaves were considered property and had no rights of their own]
  • 34:1-8
    • Dreams are worthless
    • Dreams were no longer thought to be a source of divine revelation
    • Relying on dreams was censured by law
    • Ben Sira writes that dreams can lead one astray
    • They add nothing to the law
  • 34:9-12
    • Autobiographical note
    • A wise man has traveled far
    • Ben Sira is one of those men and now has enough experience to write

VI -- 34:13-36:17 – The Piety and Mercy of God

  • 34:13-17
    • Those who believe in God are secure
    • Fear of the Lord means warmth, trust, and reverence
    • The Lord keeps watch over those who love him
  • 34:18-35:11
    • Proper worship
    • Worship without devotion is completely wrong
    • One cannot rest on God's mercy without turning from sin
    • It's the repentance and prayer that counts, not what is sacrificed
    • If you keep on committing the same sins over and over, there is no forgiveness
    • The best sacrifice is to keep the law in the first place
    • Give your gifts cheerfully, including your tithe
  • 35:12-20
    • God will have mercy on the oppressed
    • God does not favor the wealthy
    • He listens to the prayer of the wronged poor man
    • He will not be patient with the wicked; he will send retribution on them
  • 36:1-17
    • A psalm for the deliverance of Israel
    • This echoes many OT psalms
    • God will triumph over their oppressors
    • Then all the nations of the earth will acknowledge Him as God
    • That day cannot come too soon

VII -- 36:18-42:14 – Man in Society

  • 36:18-26
    • More on wives
    • One needs to discriminate among people much like one does with food
    • Man can choose a wife; a woman has no say in the matter
    • He needs to choose wisely
  • 37:1-18
    • On friends and counselors
    • Some people are friends in name only
    • It is very unfortunate when a friend turns into an enemy
    • Beware of the man who offers advice
    • His advice will always be in his favor
    • Only rely on god-fearing men, who keep the commandments
    • At least with them you will have shared interests
  • 37:19-38:15
    • On teachers and doctors
    • Discrimination is always key
    • A good teacher practices what he preaches
    • They must have practical experience in order to teach others
    • Discrimination is a lot like moderation in eating
    • Honor the doctor; the Lord gave him his skills
    • It is the Lord who spreads health over the whole world
    • Do not neglect your health; pray to the Lord and he will heal you
    • Call a doctor when needed; they will also pray for healing
  • 38:16-23
    • Mourning over the dead
    • Do not neglect a proper burial for the dead
    • Weep, wail, and mourn as is the custom; then dry your tears and resume life
  • 38:24-34
    • A list of craftsmen
    • A scholar's wisdom is borne out of leisure
    • If a man is to be wise, he must be relieved of other tasks
    • Whether they be farmers, potters, iron workers, or designers, they must leave all for wisdom
    • Craftsmen might be good at their jobs, but manual labor is not conducive to gaining wisdom
  • 39:1-11
    • The ideal man
    • Instead of working one trade, the ideal man studies widely
    • He travels and prays and is filled with a spirit of intelligence
  • 39:12-35
    • A psalm on creation
    • God created all and sustains all, both good and bad
    • The point seems to be to discourage disobedience to their Maker
  • 40:1-41:13
    • The hard life of mankind
    • Hard work is the lot of every man
    • Anxiety is a fact of life
    • Sinners, especially, have increased suffering
    • Disaster, famine, ruin, and plague were created for the wicked
    • A list of riddles where something is "good," but something else is "better"
    • Beggars have the worst lot of all; they resent the comforts of the rich
    • And all ends in death; there are no more questions asked in the grave
    • The only thing that remains after death is one's reputation
    • The families of sinners suffer everlasting disgrace
  • 41:14-42:8
    • Reasons for shame and no shame
    • Sometimes shame leads to repentance
    • But one should never be ashamed of the law and covenant of the Most High
    • Those who are honest in their business dealings have no cause for shame
  • 41:9-14
    • How to discipline a daughter
    • Daughters are the cause of a lot of worry until they are properly married

VIII -- 42:15-43:33 – The Wonders of Creation

  • 42:15-25
    • In praise of God's power
    • The Lord possesses all knowledge
    • "Who could ever contemplate his glory enough?"
  • 43:1-26
    • The wonders of the sky
    • Great is the Lord who made the sky and the moon and the stars
    • He is in control of all, including the weather
  • 43:27-33
    • The wonder of it all
    • It is all too wonderful to describe
    • The Lord has made everything and given wisdom to the godly

IX -- 44:1-50:29 – Heroes of Israel's Past

  • 44:1-15
    • Heroes remembered and forgotten
    • Past heroes and godly people are introduced and remembered
  • 44:16-18
    • The time before the flood
    • Enoch pleased the Lord and was carried off to heaven
    • Noah was found perfect and righteous
    • The sign of the rainbow was established with him
  • 44:19-23
    • Abraham and his family
    • When tested, Abraham remained faithful
    • An everlasting covenant was given to him and his descendants
  • 45:1-5
    • Moses
    • Moses was raised up by God and beloved of all
    • God spoke with Moses face to face and gave him the commandments
  • 45:6-22
    • Aaron as High Priest
    • Aaron was honored with sacred robes and jewels
    • Twice a day he offered sacrifices to the Lord
    • Those who opposed him were consumed in a blazing fire
  • 45:23-26
    • Phinehas
    • Phinehas, son of Eleazar, was renowned for his reverence for the Lord
    • He made an atonement for Israel (see Num 25:13)
  • 46:1-10
    • Joshua was the mighty warrior
    • He put Israel in possession of their promised land
    • The Lord gave him strength to fight the enemy on all sides
  • 46:11-20
    • The Judges and Samuel
    • Samuel established the monarchy
  • 47:1-11
    • David, God's chosen king
    • David gave splendor to the festivals
    • To him the Lord gave a covenant of kingship
  • 47:12-22
    • Solomon, the wise man
    • Solomon built the temple and was renowned for his wisdom
    • Yet, he also brought in much idolatry through his foreign wives
  • 47:23-25
    • The division of the kingdom
    • After Solomon's death, the ten northern tribes set up their own kingdom
    • This was because of Rehoboam's (Solomon's son) oppressive policies
  • 48:1-14
    • Elijah and Elisha
    • Elijah struggled against the apostasy of the northern kings
    • After Elijah, Elisha was filled with his spirit and continued his work
  • 48:15-16
    • The destruction of the northern kingdom
    • Because they did not repent, they were destroyed and scattered
  • 48:17-49:3
    • The good works of Hezekiah and Josiah
    • Hezekiah prayed for deliverance from Sennacherib
    • Josiah instituted many temple reforms
    • Both were totally loyal to the Lord
  • 49:4-7
    • The destruction of Jerusalem
    • Excepting David, Hezekiah, and Josiah – all the other kings were guilty
    • They surrendered their power to others and their glory to a foreign nation
  • 49:8-16
    • Prophets and the rebuilding of Jerusalem
    • The prophets rescued people by their confident hope
    • Several prophets were instrumental in the rebuilding of Jerusalem
  • 50:1-21
    • Simon, the High Priest
    • Simon was the High Priest in the time of Ben Sira
    • He was responsible for temple operations and the defense of Jerusalem
    • He carried out his duties faithfully
  • 50:22-26
    • A prayer for peace and nations to be detested
    • May God's mercy be continued and may He grant deliverance
    • Three nations to be detested: the Edomites, Philistines, and Samaritans
  • 50:27-29
    • Autobiographical note
    • Ben Sira identifies himself by name
    • He prays men will follow and be blessed by his teachings

X -- 51:1-30 – Epilogue

  • 51:1-12
    • A psalm of thanksgiving
    • This expresses an individual's thanks to God
  • 51:13-30
    • Reasons to study wisdom
    • This describes Ben Sira's search for wisdom
    • It worked so well for him that he encourages his readers to search as well
    • He ends his book on a positive note
    • The rewards of wisdom are quick and sure
    • Studying wisdom brings great peace Do your duty in good time, and in his own time he will reward you"

In his writings, Ben Sira manages to combine secular wisdom with biblical wisdom. Most of the book consists of short blocks of sayings on a variety of topics. He presumes the integrity of the temple and the Torah and the Jewish way of life. He dedicated himself to that life and believed it would last forever. Little did he know about the turmoil that would descend upon Jerusalem within the next few decades. One wonders whether he might have said some things differently, or whether he would have been more adamant about adhering to the covenant and the law of the Most High.

Bibliography

Coggins, Richard. Sirach. Sheffield, Great Britain: Sheffield Academic Press. 1998.

deSilva, David. Introducing the Apocrypha. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. 2002.

Harrington, Daniel J. Invitation to the Apocrypha. Grand Rapids, MI: William B Eerdmans. 1999.

Harrington, Daniel J. Jesus Ben Sira of Jerusalem. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press. 2005.

Meeks, Wayne, ed. The Harper Collins Study Bible. San Francisco, CA: HarperCollins Publishers. 1993.

Mills, Watson and Richard Wilson, Eds. "Deuterocanonicals/Apocrypha." Mercer Commentary on the Bible. Macon, GA: Mercer University Press. 1995.

Snaith, John. "Ecclesiasticus." The Cambridge Bible Commentary. Cambridge, Great Britain: Cambridge University Press. 1974.

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