This Book Is Known by Its Two Names: Sirach and Ecclesiasticus. the First

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This book is known by its two names: Sirach and Ecclesiasticus. The fi rst one recalls its author, Jesus, the son of Sirach and the second name refers to its welcome by Christians for centuries. It was considered as the epitome of practical wisdom, more elaborate and more “religious” than the Book of Proverbs. Written in Hebrew, it was later translated into Greek by the grandson of the author (see the preface of the book). In Jesus Christ’s time, the book existed in the two lan- guages although it was especially used by Greek synagogues and a few years later, Jews did not accept it as “Scripture.” The Church used the book although it only knew the Greek version and it was only in the 19th century that part of the Hebrew text was found. It is slightly different from the Greek translation that sometimes added a few verses and the different numbering of the verses added to the confu- sion. The Hebrew versions are not necessarily older or more faithful to the original than the Greek text. In that regard, we have made our choices without prejudice or absolute rule. This book consists of two main parts: – Chapters 1–42 include seven series of maxims. Each one starts with the praise of wisdom. The poem on wisdom in Chapter 24 is particularly interesting. – Chapters 43–51 begin by praising God whose wisdom shines in the order of the SIR universe and continue with a description of God’s wise activity through the great people of the Old Testament. This book is one of the deuterocanonical books: see page 1046.

Foreword by the translator from reputation in knowledge and wisdom. But Hebrew to Greek it would not be enough to keep these truths • The Law, the Prophets and the other for our own instruction: those who love Writings which came later have transmit- wisdom want to be helpful in what they say ted to us so many and such great lessons and write to those who are not so familiar that it seems fi tting to praise Israel for its with her teachings.

• The Jews do not use the word “Bible.” They refer to the Bible as: “The Law, the Prophets and the Writings,” these being the three major headings of the Sacred Book. See a similar expression in Luke 24:44. SIRACH 1 1136 My grandfather, Jesus, who devoted him- 6 To whom was the source of Wisdom self constantly to the reading of the Law, re vealed? Who has known her secret de- the Prophets and the later Writings of our signs? fathers and had acquired a thorough famil- 8 One alone is wise and greatly to be iarity with them, began himself to write feared. The One who is seated upon his something about their teachings and wis- throne. dom, in order that those people desiring to 9 The Lord himself created Wisdom. gain knowledge might take advantage of He looked on her and knew her value. He his writings and make even greater prog- poured her out over all his works; 10 upon ress in living according to the law. all mortal beings, in accordance with his You are therefore invited to read this goodness. He lavished her on those who book with kind consideration and atten- love him. tion, and to show indulgence where, in 11 The fear of the Lord is our glory and spite of my painstaking efforts in interpre- honor, it is joy and a triumphant crown. Job 12 tation, I may appear to have badly con- The fear of the Lord gladdens the 28:28; veyed the meaning. Those things, which in Ps heart; it gives joy, gaiety and long life. 111:10 this book are written in Hebrew, lose their 13 For the one who fears the Lord all will force when they are translated into another go well at the end of his life, and he will be language. In fact, not only this book but blessed on the day of his death. the Law itself, the Prophets and the other 14 The fear of the Lord is the beginning Writings differ considerably from the origi- of wisdom; he put wisdom into the hearts nal text. of his faithful ones before their birth. When I went to Egypt in the thirty-eighth 15 Founded from eternity she has made year of king Euergetes and settled there, I her home among people and she will found an example of this important teach- remain faithful to their descendants. ing and I judged it very necessary to exer- 16 The fear of the Lord is the fullness of cise great care and make serious efforts in wisdom. It will fi ll you with its fruits. translating this book. 17 It will fi ll your whole house with desir- I have therefore, during this time, devot- able things. ed many sleepless nights and much study It will fi ll your houses with its riches. in order to fi nish this book and to publish it 18 The fear of the Lord is the crown of for the use of those who, though they live wisdom. outside Palestine, wish to become lovers 19 of wisdom and to conform their manner of Wherever it is, peace and good health living to the law. fl ourish; knowledge and prudence rain down. Wisdom exalts those who possess her. Wisdom comes from God 20 The fear of the Lord is the root of wis- • 1 All wisdom comes from the Lord and dom. Its branches are long life. 1 endures with him forever. 22 Unjust violence cannot be justifi ed, it 2 The grains of sand, the drops of rain and will destroy itself by its own excesses. the days of eternity, who can count them? 23 The patient man will hold out until the 3 The height of heaven, the extent of the appointed time; but fi nally joy will be given earth and the depths of the abyss, who can to him. measure them? 24 He will guard his words until the 4 24:8; Wisdom was created before all things appointed time and in the end many will Pro 8:22 and the prudent intellect before the begin- recognize his worth. ning of time. 25 Proverbs rich in content are among

• 1.1 In this poem, the author professes his knows God is near fears to offend him because faith. To those who think they are more modern he is aware of his love and fi delity. To fear God because they seek human wisdom and doctrine, signifi es to respect him and to be mindful of him he simply declares that true wisdom consists in before all else. trusting God and fearing him. Fearing the Lord is the opposite of fearing He often speaks of fearing the Lord (v. 11) what others will say, fearing to be made fun of, just as the Psalms do. This is different from the or fear of failure. Those who fear the Lord give fear of pagans who imagine a resentful God. more importance to what God says, what he To fear God is to see him always present promises when he invites us to seek him and to and to take decisions in his presence. Whoever save others. 1137 SIRACH 3 wisdom’s treasures but the sinner does not Lord and been abandoned? Who has want to know about God. 26 called upon him and not been heard? Do you desire wisdom? Keep the 11 commandments and the Lord will give her For the Lord is compassion and 34:6 to you without measure; 27 for fear of the loving-kindness; he forgives our sins Lord is wisdom and learning; what pleases and saves us in time of distress. him is faithfulness and gentleness. 12 Woe to faint hearts and weak 28 Do not put aside fear of the Lord; hands, to the sinner who wavers 29 approach him with a sincere heart. Do between two paths. not be a hypocrite before others; watch 13 well your words. Woe to the fainthearted who lack 30 Do not praise yourself lest you fall confi dence, because of this they will and bring dishonor on yourself. For the not be protected. 14 Woe to you who Lord will reveal your secrets and throw you have lost patience! What will you do to one side in the midst of the assembly, when the Lord calls you to account? if you have no fear of the Lord and your 15 Those who fear the Lord do not Jn heart is full of deceit. 14:23; disobey his commandments; those 14:15 Fear God in time of trials who love him faithfully keep his laws. 1 16 Rev • My son, if you have decided to Those who fear the Lord seek to 2:10; 2:3; 2 serve the Lord, prepare yourself please him; those who love him are Jas 1:2 for trials. 2 Keep your heart upright fi lled with his law. and remain resolute; do not be upset 17 Those who fear the Lord keep in the time of adversity. their hearts ready and humble them- 3 Rev Hold fast to the Lord, do not sep- selves in his presence saying, 3:21 18 arate yourself from him so that you “Let us fall into the hands of the 2S may be successful to the end of your Lord and not into the hands of mortals, 24:14 days. 4 Accept all that happens to for great as his power is his mercy.” you, be patient when you are hum- 5 Duties towards parents 1P 1:7 bled, for as gold is tested in the fi re, 1 so those acceptable to God are tested • My children, it is your father 20:12; in the crucible of humiliation. 6 Have 3 who speaks, listen to me and Eph 6:1 confi dence in him and he will take follow my advice and so be saved. care of you; follow the right path and 2 For the Lord established that chil- hope in him. dren should respect their father; he 7 You who fear the Lord, wait for confi rmed the right of the mother over SIR his mercy and do not turn away lest her children. you fall. 8 You who fear the Lord, trust 3 Whoever honors his father atones him and you will not lose your reward. for his sins; 4 he who gives glory to his 9 You who fear the Lord, hope for all mother prepares a treasure for him- good things; hope for eternal joy and self. mercy. 5 Whoever honors his father will 10 Ps 22:5 Remember what happened to receive joy from his own children and your ancestors. Who has ever trusted will be heard when he prays. in the Lord and been confounded? 6 Whoever glorifi es his father will Who has persevered in fear of the have a long life. Whoever obeys the

• 2.1 Those who want to serve God must be • 3.1 This is the best commentary on Moses’ ready to face trials and contradictions. Authen- commandment concerning children’s responsi- tic trust in God is demonstrated when things do bilities toward their parents. To honor our par- not turn out well. Along with faith and persever- ents means: to respect, to be understanding and ance, trust is the basic quality of the believer. to offer material assistance in their diffi culties. SIRACH 3 1138 Lord gives comfort to his mother. 7 He 24 For many have been led astray by serves those who brought him to birth their personal theories; and false preten- sion has undermined reason. as he would serve the Lord. 26 8 The obstinate man will eventually fall Honor your father in word and into evil, and he who loves danger will per- deed so that his blessing may come ish therein. 27 The obstinate man will be 9 Gen on you. For a father’s blessing se- weighed down with sufferings; the sinner 49:2-27 cures the future of his children, but a heaps up sin upon sin. mother’s curse destroys them at their 28 For the sufferings of the proud man roots. there is no remedy, the roots of evil are implanted in him. 29 The wise man refl ects 10 Do not rejoice at the humiliation on proverbs. What the wise man desires is of your father because his dishonor is an attentive ear. 11 Pro no glory for you. For a man’s glory 19:26 comes from his father’s reputation; a Almsgiving 30 As water extinguishes the burn- 29:8-13; mother who is not respected is a dis- Dt 17: grace to her children. ing fl ames, almsgiving obtains par- 1-11 31 12 don for sins. The man who responds Tb 12:9; Mt 15:4 My child, take care of your father 1P 4:8 in his old age, do not cause him sor- by doing good prepares for the future, row as long as he lives. at the moment of his downfall he will fi nd support. 13 Even if he has lost his mind, have patience; do not be disrespectful to 1 My son, do not deny the poor his him while you are in full health. 4 food and do not make the man who 14 For kindness done to one’s father looks at you with pleading eyes wait. will never be forgotten, it will serve as 2 Do not sadden the hungry person reparation for your sins. nor annoy anyone who is in need. 15 In the day of adversity the Lord 3 Do not exasperate an angry man nor will remember it to your advantage; withhold alms from the beggar. for just as ice melts in the heat, so will 4 Do not drive away the beggar who 16 21:17 your sins melt away. The man who is weighed down with affl ictions, nor abandons his father is like a blas- turn away your face from the poor; phemer; he who annoys his mother is 5 do not snub the needy nor give any- cursed by the Lord. one a reason to curse you. 6 Humility If someone curses you in the bit- 22:22 17 My son, conduct your affairs with dis- terness of his heart, the Creator will cretion and you will be loved by those who hear his prayer. are acceptable to God. 7 Make yourself acceptable to the Phi 2:5; 18 Mt 20:26; The greater you are, the more you community; bow your head before Jas 4:6 should humble yourself and thus you will the one in authority. 20 Zep 2:3 fi nd favor with God. For great is the 8 Listen to the poor man and reply power of the Lord and it is the humble who give him glory. to him with kind words and with peace. 9 21 Deliver the oppressed from the hands Job Do not seek what is beyond your pow- 29:15 ers nor search into what is beyond your of the oppressor. Do not be weak 22 10 ability. Refl ect on what you are com- when you administer justice. Be like Lk 6:35; manded to do; there is no need for you to a father towards orphans and like a Jn 14:21 know things that are hidden. 23 husband towards their mothers. Then Ps 131:1 Do not tire yourself in resolving use- less questions since the knowledge you you will be like a son of the Most High al ready have goes beyond human under- and he will love you more than your standing. own mother. 1139 SIRACH 6 11 Wisdom brings up her children and Do not rely on wealth 11:24; 1 takes care of those who look for her. • Do not rely on your wealth. Do not Lk 12:15 12 2 Whoever loves her loves life. Those who 5 say, “I am self-suffi cient.” Do not let Ps 62:11 rise early in the morning in search of her yourself be carried away by greed and vio- will be fi lled with joy. lence; they would make you their slave. 13 3 Whoever possesses her will have glory Do not say, “Who can stop me?” For Ps 12:4 4 and wherever he goes blessings will follow. the Lord has power to punish you. Do not Rom 14 Those who serve her are ministers of the 2:4; say, “I have sinned and nothing has hap- 3:25 Holy One; those who love her are loved of pened!” For the Lord bides his time. the Lord. 15 He who listens to her will have 5 Do not be so sure of pardon when you 6 good judgment. He who obeys her will rest are heaping sin upon sin. Do not say, 20:5 in safety. “His compassion is great! He will forgive 16 Whoever trusts in her will possess her the vast number of my sins!” For with him and his children after him will inherit her. is mercy but also anger; his fury will be 17 Mt 7:14 For in the beginning she will lead him poured out on sinners. 7 by rough paths, causing him to fear and be Do not delay your return to the Lord, Lk 12: terrifi ed; she will plague him with her disci- do not put it off from day to day. For sud- 35-40 pline until she can count on him; and she denly the anger of the Lord will blaze forth will put him to the test by her demands. and you will perish on the day of reckon- 18 Then she will lead him on a level ing. path, give him joy and reveal her secrets 8 Do not rely on riches wrongfully to him. acquired for they will be of no use to you 19 But if he wanders from the path, she on the day of wrath. will abandon him and allow him to be lost. 9 Do not be swayed by every wind nor 20 In every situation weigh the pros and try to walk by every path, as does the sin- 10 cons and avoid evil. A wrong kind of shame ner who is accustomed to lie. Remain Mt 5:37; could harm you. 21 There is a shame which fi rm in your convictions, and be consis- Jas 5:12 11 leads to sin and there is a shame which tent in your speech. Be ready to listen, Jas 1:19 merits praise and respect. 22 Do not act and know how to wait before giving your against your better self to win favor from reply. others. Do not let this kind of shame lead 12 If you know what you are saying, you into sin. answer your neighbor; if not, it is better to 23 Do not remain silent when it is neces- say nothing. 13 Your words can bring you sary to speak. Do not, through pride, hide honor and dishonor; a man’s tongue brings your wisdom. 24 It is in speech that wisdom about his downfall. is recognized and learning in the spoken 14 Do not let yourself be known as a discourse. scandal-monger or a deceiver. For if 25 Do not contradict the truth; rather shame is the lot of the robber, severe con- SIR confess your lack of knowledge. demnation is the lot of the liar. Lev 5:5; 26 Have no shame in confessing your 15 Do not sin in big things nor in little Num 5:7; Jas 5:16 sins, do not swim against the tide. things, and from being a friend do not turn 27 Do not cringe before a fool; do not be into an enemy. An evil reputation brings in infl uenced by the powerful. its train shame and disgrace; such is the lot 28 Fight for the truth till death and the of the sinner who is accustomed to lying. Lord will fi ght for you. 29 1Jn 3:18 Do not be daring in your speech, but 1 Just as the wicked man inherits con- idle and slack in your deeds. 6 fusion and shame so will the sinner 30 Do not be like a lion in your house- accustomed to lying. 2 Do not give yourself hold, fi nding fault with your servants and over to your passions; they will turn against oppressing those under you. you and, like a bull, tear you to pieces. Acts 31 Do not open your hand to receive and 3 They will devour the foliage and destroy 20:35 keep it closed when you should give. the fruit, leaving you like a dry stump. 4 An

• 5.1 At times, some Christians take advantage of God’s infi nite mercy to continue with their evil behavior (v. 6). SIRACH 6 1140 evil passion will destroy the one who is worker and the sower, cultivate wisdom held in its power; it will make him the and wait for her excellent fruits. For in cul- laughingstock of his enemies. tivating her you will have some trouble, but soon you will enjoy her fruits. Friends 20 Wisdom is very severe with the igno- 21 5 rant. Fools will not persevere. She will be 37:1-6 • A gentle word makes many like a heavy weight or a diffi cult test which friends, an agreeable tongue calls forth he will quickly throw away. 6 37:7-15 gracious replies. Let your friends be 22 For wisdom brings her own honor, she many; but your counselors, one in a does not reveal herself to everyone. 23 Lis- thousand! ten, my son, and receive my teaching, do 24 7 If you would gain a friend, begin by not reject my counsel. Put her constraints Mt 11:29 on your feet and her yoke on your neck. testing him and do not put your con- 25 8 Put your shoulder to the burden and bear fi dence in him too quickly. For there her yoke; do not rebel against her chains. is the friend who is such when it suits 26 Come to her with all your soul and with him but he does not remain faithful in all your strength observe her ways. 27 Pur- the time of your adversity. sue her, search for her, she will make her- 9 There is the friend who becomes self known to you; when you have her, do not let her go. an enemy and, to your confusion, 28 For, in the end, you will fi nd in her your makes known why you quarreled. rest and she will become your joy. 29 Her 10 There is the friend who shares constraints will strengthen your steps and your table but does not remain faith- her collar will be like a glorious garment. ful when things go against you. 11 In 30 Her yoke will become an ornament of times of prosperity he will be like your gold and her chains like precious girdles of hyacinth blue. 31 You will adorn yourself shadow and he will speak freely to as with a garment of glory and you will put those of your household. 12 But if you her on like a crown of jubilation. are humiliated, he will turn against 32 If you wish, my son, you will be you and will avoid meeting you. learned; if you pay attention, you will be - 13 Distance yourself from your en - come clever. 33 If you love to listen, you will learn; if you really pay attention, you will e mies and be careful about your become wise. friends. 34 Be on your guard in the assembly of 14 The faithful friend is a secure re - the elders and if there is a wise man there, fuge; whoever has found one has attach yourself to him. 35 Be willing to listen found a treasure. 15 A faithful friend is to all discourses on divine things, and do not let the sayings of the wise escape you. beyond all price; hold him as price- 36 16 If you see an intelligent man, follow less. A faithful friend is a life-saving him from daybreak and let your feet beat a remedy, and those who fear the Lord pathway to his door. will fi nd one. 37 Meditate on the precepts of the Lord 17 Whoever fears the Lord will make and apply yourself unceasingly to his com- true friends for, as a man is, such will mandments. He will strengthen your heart his friend be. and the wisdom you desire will be given to you. 18 My son, dedicate yourself to learn- ing from your youth, and you will grow in 1 Do no evil and evil will not take hold wisdom until old age. 19 Work at it like the 7 of you.

• 6.5 Here, we have a text concerning true to those who fear him (v. 17). Also see 12:8- friendship. Ben Sira invites us not to be naive or 18 and 37:1-15. off guard. Verses 18-37. We obtain wisdom through a We should refl ect before confi ding in a friend, disciplined life. but should also have this life-saving remedy 7:15. Ben Sira appreciates manual work, which a true friend is, a grace that God grants specifi cally work in the fi elds. 1141 SIRACH 8 2 Keep away from wrongdoing and it will 25 If you marry off your daughter you will leave you alone. have accomplished something of impor- 3 Gal 6:7; Do not sow in the furrows of injustice tance, but give her to an intelligent man. Job 4:8 for fear of reaping its harvest sevenfold. 26 Have you a wife who is according to 4 Pro 25:6 Do not demand authority from the Lord your liking? Do not send her away. As for nor from the king a place of honor. the one you dislike, do not trust her. 5 Do not make yourself out to be a just 27 Honor your father with your whole man before the Lord nor a wise man in heart and do not be forgetful of the suffer- front of the king. ings of your mother. 6 28 Lev Do not seek a position of responsibil- Remember that they gave you birth. Tb 4:4 19:15 ity lest you not be powerful enough to root How can you repay them for what they out injustice; and, over-awed by a power- have done for you? ful man, you lose your integrity. 29 Reverence the Lord with all your being 7 Do not offend the city’s assembly; do and respect the priests. not grovel before the people. 30 Love your Creator with all your strength 8 Do not commit the same sin twice; once and do not abandon his ministers. is enough to bring punishment upon you. 31 Fear the Lord and honor the priest. 9 Am 5:21 Do not say, “When I sacrifi ce to God, Give him the share which has been com- the Most High will take into account the manded: the fi rst harvest, the sin-offering, number of gifts and he will accept them.” the shoulders of the victims, the holy offer- 10 Jas 1:6 Pray with a strong spirit and do not ings and the fi rst fruits of sacred things. 32 neglect to give alms. Stretch out your hand to the poor and Dt 14:29 11 1S 2:7; Do not despise a man when he is you will receive a blessing from the Lord. Lk 1:52 downcast, for there is one who casts down 33 May your gifts benefi t the living and and who raises up. do not forget the dead. 12 34 Do not lie about your brother; like- Do not turn away from those who Rom wise, do not lie about your friend. weep, and grieve with those who are in 12:15 13 Do not allow yourself any kind of lie sorrow. 35 for nothing good will come of it. Do not neglect to visit the sick because Mt 25:36 14 Mt 6:7 Do not gossip in front of the council it is for such acts that you will be loved. of the elders, nor keep on repeating your 36 In all your actions remember your last words in prayer. end and you will never sin. 15 Pro Do not hate hard work nor the tilling 24:27 of the land as instituted by the Most High. Prudence and common sense 16 1 Do not join the company of sinners, Do not argue with a powerful man lest Pro remember that the wrath of God will not 8 you fall into his hands. 10:15 be delayed. 2 Do not quarrel with a rich man lest 17 2Mac Remain humble, because the godless he throw his weight into the scale against SIR 9:9; Is 66:24 are punished with fi re and worms. you. 18 Do not exchange your friend for money, 3 Do not argue with a talkative person; nor a real brother for the gold of Ophir. do not heap up wood on his fi re. 19 Do not separate yourself from a wise 4 Do not joke with an ignorant man for and good woman, because a gracious wife fear your ancestors will be insulted. 5 is worth more than gold. Do not offend the man who repents of Mt 7:1-5; 20 1Jn Dt 24:14 Do not maltreat the servant who works his sins, remember that we are all deserv- 1:8-10 honestly, nor the laborer who works dili- ing punishment. gently. 21 Love the intelligent slave as your- 6 Do not despise a man in his old age, self and do not deprive him of his freedom. because we ourselves will grow old. 22 Have you any cattle? Take care of 7 Do not rejoice at the death of any man, them. If they are profi table to you, keep remember that we shall all die. them. 8 Do not neglect the teaching of the 23 Have you children? Educate them and wise, apply yourself well to their precepts. teach them to obey from their childhood. Through them you will learn how to live 24 Have you any daughters? Guard their and how to serve the great. virginity and do not be indulgent towards 9 Do not set aside the teachings of the them. el ders for they also learnt it from their SIRACH 8 1142

8 forebears; they will open up your under- Turn your eyes away from a good- Pro 2:16 standing and enable you to reply at the looking woman and do not stare at a beau- right mo ment. tiful foreigner. For the beauty of a woman 10 Do nothing to arouse the sinner for fear has caused many to fall; in her presence of being burned by the fl ames of his fi re. love blazes up like a fi re. 11 Do not annoy the angry man for fear 9 Never sit near a married woman or that he will twist your words to his own drink wine with her, for fear that your feel- advantage. ings towards her be roused and that in your 12 Do not lend to those more powerful passion you slide towards your downfall. than yourself; if you have lent anything, 10 Do not abandon an old friend, for a consider it as lost. new one has not the same value. 13 Do not stand surety beyond your means; New wine, new friend; let them mature, if you have done so, be ready to pay. then you will enjoy them with pleasure. 14 11 Do not go to law with a judge because, Do not envy the success of the sinner, Ps 37; due to his position, judgment will be given you do not know what his end will be. 73 in his favor. 12 Do not take pleasure in what pleases 15 Do not travel with an adventurer lest the godless, remember that they will be he impose himself on you and, as he does punished before they die. whatever he pleases, you both perish 13 Keep well away from the man who through his folly. has power to kill and you will not experi- 16 Do not quarrel with a bad-tempered ence the fear of death. But if you go with person nor get involved with him in a lone- him avoid all offense for fear that he will ly place; blood counts for little in his eyes deprive you of life: realize that you are and, when he sees you defenseless, he will passing through deathtraps and that you attack you. are walking on top of the wall. 17 Do not take counsel with a fool be - 14 As far as you can, be sociable and cause he will not be able to remain silent take counsel with learned men. about what you have said. 15 Love to speak with intelligent men and 18 Do nothing which should be secret be- let all your discourses be about the law of fore a stranger because you do not know the Most High. how he will react. 16 Let just men be your companions at 19 Do not reveal your secrets to any man, table; take pride in your fear of the Lord. he will not be grateful to you for doing so. 17 An artisan is judged by his work and a leader of the community, by the wisdom Man with women of his words. • 1 Do not be jealous of your own wife; 18 A talkative man is dreaded in his town 9 do not give her reason to disgrace you. and the gossip makes himself disliked. 2 33:21 Do not put yourself into the power of any woman to the point where she can 1 The wise leader will teach his peo- dominate you. 10 ple; the government of the intelli- 3 Do not go near a woman of ill-repute gent man will be well-ordered. for fear of falling into her nets. 2 As the leader is, so will his ministers 4 Do not dally with a singing girl for fear be; as the leader of the city is, so will be its of being caught in her snare. inhabitants. 5 3 Job Do not fi x your gaze on a young girl A king without wisdom will ruin his 31:1; Mt 5:28 for fear of being involved in her condem- people; a city will prosper through the wis- nation. dom of its rulers. 6 4 Lk 15:13 Do not deliver yourself into the power of The government of the earth is in the prostitutes lest you lose your inheritance. hands of the Lord; in his own time he will 7 Do not glance about you in the streets raise up the right leader. 5 of the town; do not loiter in lonely places. Human success is in the hands of the Rom 13:1 • 9.1 Ben Sira lives in a society which holds occasional love. Thus Ben Sira has many warn- women in contempt. It is a society which had ings against women’s seduction, but always as if not yet discovered the rich quality of married they were in the fi rst place culpable. See 23:12 love, so there were great temptations for young and 42:12. and adult men who would easily be satisfi ed with 1143 SIRACH 11 Lord and he clothes the rulers with his they be rich, honored or poor, their pride glory. should be in fearing the Lord. 23 It is not right to despise the poor man Pride who keeps the law; it is not fi tting to honor 6 Lev • Do not store up resentment against the sinful man. 19:18 your neighbor, no matter what his offense; 24 The leader, the judge, and the power- do nothing in a fi t of anger. ful man are worthy of honor, but no one is 7 Pride is odious to both God and man; greater than the man who fears the Lord. injustice is abhorrent to both of them. 25 A prudent slave will have free men 8 Sovereignty passes from one nation to as servants, and the sensible man will not another because of injustice, violence and complain. 26 wealth. Do not feel proud when you have only Lk 17:10 9 How can there be such pride in some- accomplished your work; do not put on one who is nothing but dust and ashes? airs when times are diffi cult for you. Even while he is living, man’s bowels are 27 Of greater worth is the man who works full of rottenness. and lives in abundance than the one who 10 Look: the illness lasts while the doc- shows off and yet has nothing to live on. 28 tor makes light of it; and one who is king My son, have a modest appreciation of 1Cor today will die tomorrow. yourself, estimate yourself at your true value. 1:31 11 Once a man is dead, grubs, insects 29 Who will defend the man who makes and worms are his lot. an attempt on his own life? Who will re - 12 Dt 8:14 The beginning of man’s pride is to spect the man who despises himself? separate himself from the Lord and to rebel 30 The poor man will be honored for his against his Creator. wisdom and the rich man, for his riches. 13 The beginning of pride is sin. Whoever 31 Honored when poor—how much more perseveres in sinning opens the fl oodgates honored when rich! to everything that is evil. For this the Lord Dishonored when rich—how much more has infl icted dire punishment on sinners; dishonored when poor! he has reduced them to nothing. 14 1 Lk 1:52 The Lord has overturned the thrones The poor man who is wise carries of princes and set up the meek in their 11 his head high and sits among the place. great. 15 2 Dn 2:35 The Lord has torn up the proud by the Do not praise a man because he is 1S 16:7; 2Cor roots and has planted the humble in their handsome and do not hold a man in con- 10:10 place. tempt because of his appearance. 16 3 Wis The Lord has overturned the land of The bee is one of the smallest winged 11:21 the pagans and totally destroyed them. insects but she excels in the exquisite 17 He has devastated several of them, sweetness of her honey. destroyed them and removed all remem- 4 Do not be proud because of the clothes SIR brance of them from the face of the earth. you wear; do not be proud when people 18 Pride was not created for man nor vio- honor you. Do you know what the Lord lent anger, for those born of woman. is preparing in a mysterious way? 5 Many Ecl 4:14; 19 Which race is worthy of honor? The tyrants have been overthrown and some- 10:6-7 human race. one unknown has received the crown. Which race is worthy of honor? Those 6 Many powerful men have been com- who fear the Lord. pletely disgraced and famous men handed Which race is despicable? The human over into the power of others. race. 7 Do not reprehend anyone unless you Which race is despicable? Those who have fi rst been fully informed, consider break the commandments. the case fi rst and thereafter make your 20 The leader is worthy of respect in the reproach. 8 midst of his brethren, but he has respect Do not reply before you have listened; Pro for those who fear the Lord. 22 Whether do not interrupt the one who is speaking. 18:13

• 10.6 A few words of simple philosophy about suitable modesty for everyone. SIRACH 11 1144 9 Do not interfere in what is not your 26 Even when the end draws near, it is business; do not meddle in the disputes of easy for the Lord to reward a man accord- sinners. ing to the way he has lived. 10 My child, do not undertake too many 27 The hour of adversity makes one for- activities. If you keep adding to them, you get pleasure; at the end of a man’s life his will not be without reproach; if you run after deeds will be revealed. them, you will not succeed nor will you 28 Do not consider anyone as blessed ever be free, although you try to escape. before his death, for only then he will be known. Put your trust in God 29 Do not invite just anybody into your • 11 There are those who exhaust them- house for many are clever deceivers. selves, tire themselves out and become 30 Like a partridge in its cage acting as anxious, yet in the end they are only the a decoy, so is the heart of the proud man; poorer. like a spy he watches out for your weak- 12 There are those who are weak, need- nesses. ing support, lacking goods and in great 31 He changes good things into evil, he poverty, yet the eyes of the Lord look on lays his traps and criticizes even the best them with favor. The Lord will redress their things. humiliation. 13 He will raise their heads and 32 Just as a spark sets coals on fi re, the many people will marvel on this account. wicked man prepares his snares in order 14 Good and evil, life and death, poverty to draw blood. and riches, all come from the Lord. 33 Beware of the wicked man for he is 17 Lk 12:16 The just can count on the generos- planning evil. He might dishonor you for- ity of the Lord and his goodness will guide ever. them forever. 34 If you take a stranger into your house, 18 A man may become rich through he will cause you trouble; he will estrange being careful and miserly and this is his you from your household. reward. 19 The day on which he thinks, “I have earned my rest, now I can live on my 1 If you do good, know to whom you possessions,” he does not know how long 12 are doing it and you will receive he is going to live. He will have to die and thanks for your kindness. leave his goods to others. 2 Do good to the godly man and you will 20 Remain faithful to your duty, give your receive a reward, if not from the man him- life to it and grow old in your work. self, at least from the Most High. 21 3 Mt 6:25 Do not be disconcerted at the success Blessings are not for those who persist of sinners but have confi dence in God and in evildoing, nor for those who refuse to persevere in your own efforts. It is easy for show compassion. the Lord in an instant to make the poor 4 Give to the godly man, do not help the man rich. sinner; 5 do good to the humble, do not give 22 Lk 12:16 The blessing of the Lord is the just to the ungodly; deny him bread, do not give man’s reward and quickly, in an instant, it to him lest he eventually dominate you. his benediction will bear fruit. He will repay you with a double evil for all Jn 16:21 23 Do not say, “What do I need? What the good that you have done for him. 6 more could I have or desire?” For the Most High himself detests sin- Lk 6:35; 24 Do not say, “I have all that is neces- ners and carries out his vengeance on the Mt 5:45 sary, what misfortune can harm me now?” ungodly. 25 On good days, one forgets the bad; 7 Give to the good man but do not help and on bad days one forgets the good. the sinner.

• 11.11 These thoughts are not new in the king dom of God instead of being preoccupied Scriptures which encourages us on every page with providing for the future. to trust in God. Ben Sira foretells what we will Note the end of this text. The Book of Sirach, fi nd on the lips of Jesus concerning wealth (see like certain parts of the Book of Job, affi rms Lk 12:16). that God may wait until death to give a reward; And he says: Love the Covenant, dedicate but he does not risk speaking of what will fol- your life to it. The Covenant means following low: faith in the resurrection was as yet unde- the law. Jesus, too, will speak of seeking the veloped. 1145 SIRACH 13 8 A friend does not become an enemy in earthen pot near the iron one? One the time of prosperity, nor does an enemy will bang the other and break it. remain hidden in the time of adversity. 3 9 The rich man does wrong and is Pro When a man is doing well, his enemies 18:23 are sad; when he is suffering misfortune, un concerned; the poor man is insult- even his friends hasten to abandon him. ed and apologizes. 10 4 Pro Never trust an enemy, for his malice The rich man uses you as long as 26:24 is like bronze covered in rust. you are useful to him; when you have 11 Even if he should act as a humble man nothing left he deserts you. and walk with head bowed down, watch 5 yourself and be on your guard against him. He will stay with you as long as Behave towards him as a man who pol- you have something; he will drain you ishes a bronze mirror. Know that the rust without a second thought. will not remain until the end. 6 If he really needs you he will de - 12 Do not place him near you lest he ceive you, smile at you and raise your overthrow you and take your place. Do not hopes; he will speak smooth words make him sit on your right hand lest he covet your seat. Let it not be that in the and say, “What would you like?” end you understand my words and regret 7 He will show his gratitude by en - not having listened to my advice. tertaining you until he has taken all 13 Who will have pity on the snake- you possess, and he will make fun of charmer bitten by a snake or on those who you in the end. Afterward, when he go near wild beasts? 14 It is the same for the man who joins company with a sinner and sees you, he will have nothing to do fi nds himself involved in his wrongdoing. with you, shaking his head when he 15 The sinner will remain quietly with you meets you. for an hour but when you are distracted he 8 Take care not to be deceived and will throw away his mask. humiliated through stupidity. 16 The enemy is all sweetness in his 9 When an infl uential person invites speech, but in his heart he is planning to throw you in the ditch. The enemy has tears you, delay and he will call you all the in his eyes but, if he fi nds an opportunity, more. he cannot have enough of your blood. 10 Do not go so far forward that you 17 If misfortune comes to you, you will are pushed aside or so far back that fi nd him there before you; pretending tohelp you are overlooked. you, he will be scheming to get rid of you. 11 18 He will nod his head in mockery and clap Do not try to talk to him as an his hands, he will whisper unceasingly and equal or trust his many words. With will show his true face. all this verbiage he is only trying to SIR test you and, under pretense of kind- Beware of the great ness, he is weighing you up. • 1 He who touches tar will be 12 He will repeat your words with- 13 soiled; he who associates with out pity and will not spare you either an arrogant man will become like blows or chains. 13 Be wary and take him. great care because you are walking 2 Do not carry too heavy a load; do with your own stumbling block. not make friends with someone stron- 15 All that lives loves its own kind; ger and richer than you. Why put the and each person, his own neighbor.

• 13.1 This long paragraph is an invitation – to be admitted into the friendship of the not to seek the company of those above us. rich, we have to accept many humiliations and Often the rich, those above, are godless, without to forget our own dignity; conscience. The author points out the dangers: – contact with the rich will lead us to imitate – those above take advantage of those who their faults. seek to become familiar with them; SIRACH 13 1146

4 16 Every animal relates to its own riches? He who hoards, depriving himself, Lk 12:16; species; and man, to his own kind. is hoarding for others: others will enjoy his Job 27:16 17 goods. What has the wolf in common 5 He who is mean to himself, with whom with the lamb? It is the same with the will he be good? He does not even enjoy sinner and the virtuous man. 18 What his own riches. kind of peace can exist between the 6 There is nothing worse than one who is hyena and the dog? What peace be - mean to himself, this is how his evil repays him. tween the rich man and the poor 7 man? If he does good, he does it without 19 realizing it but, in the end, his evil will be Wild donkeys are the prey of des- revealed. ert lions; so, also, are the poor, the 8 Evil is the greedy-eyed man who does prey of the rich. not pay attention to persons and looks 20 The proud man hates humility; down on people. so, also, the poor man is detestable 9 The ambitious man is not content with what he has, wicked injustice shrivels up to the rich. the heart. 21 Pro 19:4; When the rich man stumbles, his 10 19:7 The envious eye covets the food of friends support him, but when the poor others; there will be misery and famine at man falls, his friends desert him. his table. 22 11 Pro When the rich man gets into trou- My son, use well whatever you have 14:20 ble, there are many who come to his and give worthy offerings to the Lord. 12 Remember that death will not delay rescue; if he speaks nonsense, they and your time has not yet been revealed congratulate him. When the poor man to you. makes a mistake, they criticize him; if 13 Be good to your friend before you die he speaks sensibly, they pay no atten- and be generous to him in any way you tion. 23 When the rich man speaks, all can. 14 are silent and they praise his words to Enjoy happiness and do not reject Ecl 2:24 the skies. The poor man speaks and lawful pleasure when it comes your way. 15 Will you not have to leave to another people ask, “Who is this?” And if he the fruit of your works? The fruit of your stumbles, they push him down. labor, will it not be shared out by lot? 24 Wealth is good if there is no sin 16 Give, take and treat yourself well, for in it and poverty is evil when it is the in the netherworld there are no pleasures reward for godlessness. to seek. 17 All living things grow old like clothing. Enjoy life without being greedy This is the eternal law: “You will die.” 18 25 Like green leaves on a bushy tree: Pro Man’s heart is refl ected in his face, 15:13 some sprout and others fall off, so are the for better or for worse. generations of fl esh and blood: one dies 26 Does he show a happy face? All and another is born. 19 All fi nite things pass Ecl 9:6; Rev is going well for him. Has he found away and their maker with them. 14:13 words of wisdom? He has refl ected on Happy the one seeking wisdom suffering. 20 Happy the one who is intent on 1 Happy the one who has not sinned wisdom and who can reply to those 14 in speech or who feels no remorse who question him; 21 who makes his for his faults. own the ways of wisdom and medi- 2 Happy is he whose own conscience tates on her secrets; 22 who pursues does not condemn him and who has not fallen from his ideals. her like a hunter, lies in wait by her 23 3 Wealth does not befi t the small-minded paths, peeps in at her windows and man; why would you give the greedy man listens at her doors; 24 he sets up camp 1147 SIRACH 16 near her house, fi xing his stakes in 14 When he created man in the begin- ning, he left him free to make his own her walls. 15 25 decisions. If you wish, you can keep the He places his tent in the hands of commandments and it is in your power to wisdom; he stays in a happy lodging. remain faithful. 26 He places his sons beneath her pro- 16 He has set fi re and water before you; tection and fi nds shelter beneath her you stretch out your hand to whichever branches. 27 He is shaded by her from you prefer. 17 Life and death are set before man: Dt the heat and makes his camp in her 11:26; which ever a man prefers will be given him. 30:15 glory. 18 How magnifi cent is the wisdom of the Lord! He is powerful and all-seeing. 1 Wis Such is the one who fears the 19 His eyes are on those who fear him. 6:16; 8:12 15 Lord; whoever embraces the law He knows all the works of man. will obtain wisdom. 2 She will come 20 He has commanded no one to be god- less and has given no one permission to out to meet him like a mother and sin. greet him like a virgin bride; 3 she will feed him with the bread of under- No happiness for the wicked 1 standing and give him the water of Do not long for a brood of worth- Pro 4 17:21; wisdom to drink. He will rely on her 16 less children, and take no joy in 19:13 godless sons. and will not waver; he will lean on her 2 and will not be let down. However many you have, do not rejoice 5 in them if they have no fear of God. Wis 8:10 Wisdom will make him greater 3 Do not depend on their having a long than his friends and he will be able to life, or trust in their number, because one speak in the full assembly. 6 He will be is better than a thousand and their death is crowned with happiness and joy. He preferable to their being godless. 4 will inherit an everlasting name. A city can arise from one man who is Wis 3:19 7 prudent. Yet, even though the wicked be- The fool will never possess her, come a great tribe, they will be destroyed. and sinners will never set eyes on her. 5 I have seen such things with my own eyes 8 She is far away from pride, and liars and my ears have heard of still greater will know nothing of her. things. 9 Praise is not fi tting on the lips of 6 Fire has come upon the meeting of sinners since it does not come from sinners and God’s wrath is kindled against 10 rebellious people. 7 the Lord. Praise must come from God did not pardon the leaders of old Gen the wise man; so the Lord himself in- who rebelled in their pride of strength. 6:1 SIR 8 spires it. He did not spare the city where Lot Gen 19: lived; he detested their pride. 1-29 God made us free and responsible 9 He showed no pity on the people 11 Jas 1: • Do not say, “It was God who made me doomed to destruction; they were annihi- 13-14 sin.” God does not cause what he hates. lated for their sins. 12 Do not say, “He made me do wrong,” 10 In the same way, he dealt with the six for he has nothing to do with a sinner. 13 The hundred thousand men who, in the hard- Lord hates all evil and those who fear him ness of their hearts, had revolted. 11 hate it as well. Had there been only one stubborn 34:6

• 15.11 This poem clearly declares that hu- later (see Ex 10:27; 2 S 24:1); yet there is no man beings are free and responsible. In his letter doubt that humans are free. The Israelites were (1:13), James will recall the fi rst sentence of this so convinced that nothing is done without God, paragraph. In Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Moses that they had trouble explaining how some- already told his people: “Life and death are one can sin without this being God’s will. Even before you; choose.” though they lacked the words to express it, they At times the Scriptures seems to say that God always saw human beings as persons respon- pushes a person to sin in order to punish him sible for their actions. SIRACH 16 1148 man it would have been amazing if he had hunger or grow weary and they never escaped unpunished, since mercy and an- cease from their duties. 28 Not one has ger belong to the Lord who is powerful both in forgiveness and in punishment. collided with its neighbor; they will 12 His justice is as great as his mercy never disobey his commands. and he judges people by their deeds. 29 Afterward, the Lord looked down 13 Just as the sinner will not escape with on the earth and fi lled it with his 30 his booty, the patience of the upright man riches. He covered its surface with Ps will not go unrewarded. all kinds of living things which must 104:29 14 God will reward every act of mercy; each person will be treated according to return to it. his deeds. 17 1 Do not say, “I will hide from the Lord; The Lord created man from Gen 2:7; Ecl 3:20; who will remember me up there? I will not 17 the earth and let him return to 12:7 be recognized in the midst of so many. 2 earth. He settled a fi xed time for them Gen 6:3; What am I in the immensity of creation?” 1:28; 18 and a set number of days, giving them Wis 9:2 Look: the sky and the heavens above 3 power over everything on earth. He Gen the sky, the sea and the earth tremble 1:27 when he comes. endowed them with a strength like his 19 The mountains, together with the own, making them in his own image. foundations of the earth, are fi lled with 4 He put the fear of them in all living dread before his sight. 20 things, thus they had mastery over But nobody thinks of such things: who 6 is interested in the ways of God? the animals and birds. He endowed 21 Rom Most of his works go unnoticed and them with knowledge; he gave them 11:33 man does not see where the storm origi- tongue and eyes, ears and a mind to nates. think with. 22 “Who tells us of the interventions of 7 God? Who expects them? The Covenant is He fi lled them with wisdom and far away.” knowledge; he taught them good 8 23 Such are the thoughts of the man of and evil. He put his own eye in their Wis 13:1; little sense, the foolish, dissolute man who hearts so they would understand the Rom loves his illusions. greatness of his works. 10 They will 1:19 24 Listen to me, my sons; acquire knowl- praise his holy name and 9 relate the edge and apply your heart to my words. 25 I will expound the teaching step by step and magnifi cence of his creation. impart knowledge carefully. 11 He gave them revealed knowl- edge as well and handed over to them God the Creator the law of life. 12 He established an 26 42:20- • God created his works from everlasting Covenant with them and 25 the begin ning and, as he made them, let them know his judgments. 27 13 he assigned to each its place. He Human eyes saw the splendor Dt 4:11 arranged them for all time, their begin- of the glory of God; their ears heard ning and their unfolding. They do not the grandeur of his voice. 14 He said

• 16.26 Here we have an optimistic vision When we forget about this intuition which is in of humankind. God gave them power over all fact the dynamic of scientifi c research, we are things on earth. This is why they must not give always capable of using reason in such a way themselves to evil. that denies the evidence of the divine presence He put his own eye in their hearts (17:8): in the universe. It is this divine capacity that this means conscience and intuitions of the spir- leads us to true wisdom. it (see Pro 4:23) which lets us see the work of Then, God had to reveal himself to us, so that God. this capacity to come to the truth would lead to What is greatest in us is not reason which dis- sound knowledge, decisive in terms of the direc- cusses and argues, but an intuition of the truth, tion of our lives: in verses 11-14, the author re fers which in a time seeks reasons to support it. to the gift of the law to Israel through Moses. 1149 SIRACH 18 to them, “Keep yourselves from all 8 What is man? What is his purpose? wrongdoing,” and to each of them What is the good in him and what the bad? he gave commands regarding his 9 Take the length of his life: a hundred Ps 90:10 neighbor. years is long. 10 Like a drop of water from 15 Their conduct is always before the the sea, a grain of sand, such are his few years compared with eternity. Lord; they cannot escape his sight. 11 17 For this reason, the Lord has patience Dt 7:6 He has placed a leader over each na - tion, but Israel is the Lord’s own portion. with them and pours out his mercy on 19 them. Their deeds are as clear as the sun to 12 him, he always observes their ways. He sees and realizes how miserable 20 Their misdeeds cannot be hidden from their end is and so he heaps his forgive- ness upon them. him, all their sins are before the Lord. 13 22 He holds a man’s almsgiving dear as Man’s mercy is for his neighbor but a priceless signet ring; he cherishes a good the compassion of the Lord reaches all people; he rebukes, corrects, teaches and deed like the apple of his eye. 14 23 One day he will rise and reward them; brings back his fl ock like a shepherd. He he will place their prize on their heads. takes pity on those who accept correction 24 He allows those who repent to return; and eagerly seek his will. 15 he comforts those whose hopes are fading. My son, do not mix your favors with 25 Be converted to the Lord and give up un kind remarks or your gifts with bitter your sins, plead with him to lessen your words. 16 offense. Does not dew temper the heat? So, 26 Return to the Almighty, turn aside too, a kind word is much better than a gift. from wrongdoing and totally detest evil. 17 The gift is not as valuable as the words 27 Ps For who in the grave will praise the Al- which accompany it, but a generous man 115:17 mighty, if the living do not give him glory? brings both. 28 The dead man is as if he did not exist 18 The fool intends to please but insults, and cannot give praise; he who has life a grudging man’s gift makes the eyes and health can praise the Lord. smart. 29 How great is the mercy of the Lord 19 Find out the facts before you speak; and his forgiveness for those who turn to look after yourself before you become ill. him! 20 Examine yourself before judgment 30 Man cannot have everything in his comes and, on the day of God’s visitation, power since he is not immortal. you will be forgiven. 31 What is brighter than the sun? Yet it 21 Humble yourself before you become disappears. Man is no more than fl esh and ill and show repentance for your sins. 32 22 blood, yet he thinks of doing evil. While Let nothing prevent you from fulfi lling SIR the sun surveys the stars in the lofty sky, your vow on time; do not wait until death human beings remain dust and ashes. to put things in order. 23 Prepare yourself before praying and do Ecl 5:1 The greatness of God not be one of those who tempt the Lord. 1 He who lives forever created all 24 Keep in mind the justice of the last 18 without exception. 2 The Lord alone days; God will turn his face from you on will be found righteous. the day of vengeance. 4 He has made no one powerful enough 25 When you experience abundance, re - to proclaim his works; who then, will reveal member the days of famine; when you en- his marvels? joy riches, think of poverty and misery. 5 Who can calculate the power of his 26 Time slips by between morning and majesty and relate his great goodness? evening, all things pass quickly before the 6 Nothing can be added to him or taken Lord. away; no one can fathom the wonders of 27 The prudent man is cautious in every- the Lord. thing; when sin abounds he will keep away 7 Ps When man thinks he has fi nished, then from wrongdoing. 139:17 he is only beginning and when he stops he 28 Every sensible man recognizes wis- is puzzled by it all. dom and respects those who obtain her. SIRACH 18 1150 29 Those who speak sensibly are wise, 14 Speak with your friend: perhaps and marvelous sayings fl ow from them. 30 he has not said anything and, if he Do not let your passions rule you and 15 restrain your desires. has, he will not say it again. Speak 31 If you satisfy your lusts you will make with your friend for there is much slan- yourself the laughingstock of your ene- der; do not believe all that you hear. mies. 16 Often, unintentional slips are made; 32 Do not take pleasure in great luxu- for who has never sinned by evil ry, lest you become impoverished by its tongues? 17 Speak with your neighbor expense. 33 Do not impoverish yourself by feast- before you heap accusations on him; ing on credit when you have nothing in then leave room for the Law of the your pocket. Almighty.

20 1 A drunken worker will never be All wisdom is in the fear of the Lord; in 19 rich; he who is careless in small all wisdom is the fulfi llment of the Law. things will soon fall. 22 Knowledge of evil is not wisdom, and 2 Wine and women corrupt the best of prudence is not found in the advice of sin- men; whoever frequents prostitutes loses ners. all sense of shame. 3 He will be the vic- 23 There is a cleverness that is loath- tim of grubs and worms and lose his life some; it belongs to the evildoer who lacks because of his stupidity. wisdom. 24 Better to lack sense and be full of the When to speak and when to be silent fear of the Lord, than to be clever in violat- • 4 He who is too quick to trust oth- ing the Law. 25 There is an ingenious shrewdness ers reveals a shallow mind, whoever which carries out injustice; it is the art of sins injures himself. dissimulating in order to do evil. 26 One 5 One who revels in pleasure will be pretends to be grieving and weighed down condemned, 6 hating gossip will save with burdens but in his heart there is only one from evil. cunning; 27 he hides his face and pretends 7 to be deaf, but as soon as you are distract- Never repeat what you are told ed, he will take advantage of you. and you will come to no harm. 28 One does not sin when the means are 8 Report nothing to friend or foe lacking; at the fi rst opportunity, he will do and, unless silence is sinful, reveal it wrong. to no one. 9 They will listen, distrust 29 You can tell a man by his appearance; you and you will end up being hated. the responsible man can be recognized by 10 his face. Have you heard something? Let 30 A man’s way of dressing reveals who it die with you, remain calm; you will he is, as does his manner of laughing and not burst with it. walking. 11 A fool suffers like a woman in childbirth over something he is told. The stupid and foolish 12 Like an arrow stuck in his thigh, 20 • 1 There are rebukes which are in such is a secret inside a fool. op portune; there is the silence of a 13 sensible man. Speak with your friend: perhaps 2 Better to rebuke than nurse a grudge. he has done nothing and, if he has, he 3 He who recognizes his fault diminishes its will not do it again. consequences.

• 19.4 In many passages throughout the • 20.1 We must avoid two errors: correc- Book of Sirach, as in Proverbs, the author tion with anger, because we fall into excesses, shows that controlling one’s tongue is a prereq- and being resentful in silence, without letting off uisite for dominating our person and our destiny steam. (James 3). 1151 SIRACH 21 4 Like a eunuch desiring to violate a girl, 25 Better to be a thief than a liar, yet both such is he who uses force in pretending to are heading for disaster. 26 be just. Habitual lying is detestable; disgrace Pro 5 12:22 Pro One keeps silent and is thought to be never leaves the liar. 17:28 wise, the other makes himself hated be - 27 The wise man’s words advance his cause of his gossiping. cause; the shrewd man will gain favor with 6 One remains silent because he does the powerful. not know how to reply; the other keeps 28 He who tills the earth increases his quiet, waiting for the right moment. produce; he who pleases the great is for- 7 The wise man keeps silent until the given his wickedness. right moment; the chatterer and fool speak 29 Presents and gifts blind a wise man’s out of turn. eyes; like a muzzle they silence the con- 8 He who speaks too much makes him- scientious. self hated; he who wishes to impose him- 30 Concealed wisdom and hidden trea- self stirs up ill will. sure: what good are these? 9 Man can turn his troubles to his advan- 31 The man who conceals his stupidity is tage; a lucky chance can turn to loss. better than one who conceals his wisdom. 10 There is a type of generosity which will not reward you and another which will 1 Have you sinned, my son? Do not re pay you double. 21 do it again and beg forgiveness for 11 Lk 1:52 One is humiliated for having had hon- your past sins. ors; another is humiliated, and then lifts up 2 Escape from sin as you would from a his head. snake; if you go near, it will bite you. Its 12 One buys much with little money; an - teeth are like those of a lion and destroy other pays seven times its value. human lives. 13 3 The wise man makes himself lovable All evil is like a double-edged sword Pro 5:4 through his words alone, while the favors which infl icts wounds past remedy. of the fool are lost. 4 Violence and pride bring down the rich; 14 The fool’s gift is not to your advan- the arrogant man’s house will be brought tage; he gives with greedy eyes. 15 He gives low. little but puts on a great outward appear- 5 The poor man’s prayer reaches the ance and exclaims for all to hear; he lends ears of the Lord and his judgment will not today and recovers the loan tomorrow; he delay. is a despicable man. 6 Whoever hates correction goes the 16 The fool says, “I have no friends, no way of sinners; he who fears the Lord turns one welcomes my favors. 17 Those who eat to him in his heart. my bread have evil tongues.” How often 7 The chatterer is known everywhere, but

they will mock him, and by how many! the discreet man recognizes his weakness. SIR 18 Better to stumble on the ground than 8 Building a house with borrowed money to make a slip with the tongue; this is how is like collecting stones for your own easily the wicked fall. tomb. 19 The rough-mannered man is like an 9 The meeting of sinners is like a pile of indiscreet story that ill-mannered people rope which will go up in fi re and fl ames. 10 tell out of time. The path of sinners is well paved but it Mt 7:13 20 The proverb told by a fool will fail, since ends in the fi ery abyss. he does not speak it at an appropriate time. 11 He who keeps the Law is in control 21 One keeps himself from sin because of his thoughts; the fear of the Lord brings he does not have the means to act; when he wisdom. gets the chance, he will have no remorse. 12 The man who is not clever will never 22 One loses his soul out of false shame; be taught; but there is a cleverness which he loses himself for fear of what a foolish leads to bitterness. man thinks. 23 Out of false shame he wants 13 The wise man’s knowledge spreads to win a friend; he gets an enemy, in fact, out like a fl ood and his advice is like a for nothing. spring. 24 14 Pro 13:5 Lying is a shameful defect in a man; The fool’s heart is like a broken glass fools are used to it. which cannot hold any teaching. SIRACH 21 1152 15 If an educated man hears a wise say- husband, but the disgraceful one is a bur- ing he values it and adds another. If the den to her father. good-for-nothing hears it he is annoyed 5 A shameless daughter brings disgrace and tosses it over his shoulder. on her father as well as her husband; both 16 The fool’s talk weighs like a load while hate her. the wise man’s words give rest. 6 The untimely word is like music at a 17 The assembly awaits the wise man’s funeral but beating and correction guided words; each one takes to heart whatever by wisdom are never out of place. he says. 9 18 Teaching a fool is like gluing a broken The fool’s wisdom is like a house in jar, it is easier to awaken a man from deep ruins, the knowledge of the fool amounts sleep. 10 Reasoning with a fool is like rea- to nonsense. soning with a drowsy man; in the end, he The stupid and foolish will ask you, “What is it all about?” 11 Weep for the dead man since the 19 • As far as the fool is concerned, light has deserted him, weep for the fool instruction is no more than handcuffs because understanding has deserted him. and fetters. 20 The idiot laughs aloud Cry less for the dead man; he has found while the intelligent man merely smiles his rest but the fool’s life is worse than quietly. death. 12 21 Instruction is like a golden orna- Mourning the dead lasts seven days, but it lasts a lifetime for the fool and god- ment to the shrewd man, like a brace- less man. let on his right arm. 13 Do not waste words on the fool or go 22 The fool steps inside the house with the stupid man; beware of him lest immediately, the experienced man he bring you trouble and his contact leave would not be so bold. 23 The fool looks you contaminated. Stay away from him if in through the door, the polite man you want rest and do not want to be worn out by his requests. remains outside. 24 Listening outside 14 What is heavier than lead? What is its doors reveals a bad upbringing, the name but “Fool”? upright man would be ashamed of 15 Sand, salt and a load of iron are easier doing so. to bear than a fool. 25 Strangers speak thoughtlessly of 16 The wooden joint in a building is not everything, while wise men’s words dislodged by an earthquake; a determined are carefully weighed. 26 The heart of heart, after careful refl ection, will not be fools is in their mouth, but the mouth moved when crises come. 17 A decision based on serious refl ection of the wise is in their heart. stands like plaster on a fi rm wall. 27 When the godless man curses 18 Stakes set on a height do not resist his opponent, the curse descends on the wind; the fool’s heart, frightened by his himself. 28 The slanderer taints him- own imaginings, cannot withstand fear. self and makes himself hated by all 19 Striking the eye brings tears; if you around him. strike the heart, lucidity will come forth. 20 Whoever throws stones at birds scares 1 The idler is like a dirty stone, his them off; reproach a friend and you will kill 22 disgrace is laughed at. the friendship. 2 The idler is like a heap of dung, all who 21 If you have drawn your sword against touch it shake it off their hands. a friend, do not despair, it can be put back; 3 Badly brought up sons are the shame of 22 if you have spoken harshly to a friend, do their father, and daughters, a humiliation. not fear, reconciliation is possible; but in 4 A sensible daughter is a treasure to her the event of insult, contempt, betrayal of a

• 21.19 The politeness of well-educated peo- and noble conduct. As Saint Francis de Sales ple shows their noble spirit. When we are tru ly used to say: “Courtesy is the precious fl ower of wise, we instinctively discover the rules of good charity.” 1153 SIRACH 23 confi dence or treacherous blow, any friend words, as happens to the proud man and would desert you. to him who curses. 23 9 Win your neighbor’s confi dence when Do not get used to swearing, taking Mt 5:34; he is poor so that you may enjoy his goods the name of the Holy One. Jas 5:12 with him when he grows rich; be loyal in 10 For, just as the slave who is constantly his hour of trouble and you will win, in the watched will not escape without blows, so end, a share in his inheritance. you, also, will not be found guiltless after 24 Smoke and fumes precede the fi re; constantly calling upon his name. so, too, insults herald the blows. 11 The man who swears habitually will 25 I will not be ashamed of protecting a be found full of sins, and disgrace will not friend nor will I avoid him; 26 if evil comes to depart from his house. If he fails to keep me from him, all who hear of it will beware his oath due to carelessness, punishment of him. will descend upon him; if he fails know-

27 ingly, his sin is double and if he has sworn Ps 141:3 Who will put a guard on my falsely, he will not be forgiven; in any case, mouth and effectively lock up my lips his house will be fi lled with disasters. to prevent me from sinning and my tongue from hastening my ruin? About impurity and adultery • 12 There is a way of talking which • 1 O Lord, Father and Master deserves death; let it not be used by 23 of my life, do not abandon me Jacob’s descendants. Virtuous people to the thoughtless words of my lips or keep far away from it and do not wal- allow me to fall because of them. low in sin. 2 13 Ps 141:5 Who will deal out punishment to Do not accustom your mouth to my thoughts and apply the discipline foul language for it will be sinful talk. of wisdom to my heart? 3 Let them 14 Remember your father and moth- not be indulgent at my sins or the er when you are sitting in the company mistakes of my mind, lest my errors of the great, lest you forget yourself in increase and sins multiply, and I fall their presence and act like a fool. Then into the hands of my enemies, to the you would wish you had never been joy of my foes. born, and curse the day of your birth. 4 Lord, Father and God of my life, 15 A man used to indecent talk will do not allow me to become haughty; never be reformed in his lifetime. 5 keep greed far away from me. 16 Two kinds of people multiply sins 6

Do not let lust and lechery take and a third attracts the Lord’s anger: SIR hold of me; do not deliver me to fi lthy A blazing passion which burns like passions. fi re will not be extinguished until it burns itself up. 7 Children, learn how to control your language; if you are able to watch over it, A man who seeks pleasure from you will not be taken by surprise. his own body, he will not give up until 8 The sinner will be caught in his own he catches fi re.

The sin of the tongue (22:27) (or the lips) • 12. Ben Sira speaks of impurity in the tra- means, fi rst of all, proud words and proud proj- ditional sense: sin against chastity. ects. This is always the beginning of all the other – In verses 12-15, he speaks of vulgar words sins. and malicious conversations. As Jesus says in Matthew 12:34: the mouth speaks of what • 23.1 Prayer of the youth who discovers fi lls the heart. his weakness when faced with life’s temptations. – Verses 16-21 refers to extramarital rela- Prayer of the adult person who has experienced tionships. that evil is deeply-rooted in his heart. An invi- – Verses 22-23 deals with an adulterous wom- tation to parents to look after their children’s an, though it can also be applied to the adulter- training. ous man: 1) it is a sin against God; 2) it is a SIRACH 23 1154 17 To the indecent man, all food a cursed memory and her shame will tastes sweet and he will not be satis- never be blotted out. fi ed until death. 27 People who have seen her will 18 The man unfaithful to the mar- know that nothing matters more than riage bed who thinks like this, “Who the fear of the Lord and nothing is sees me? Darkness surrounds me, the sweeter than fulfi lling his commands. walls hide me; nobody can see me. Why should I worry? The Almighty The hymn of wisdom 1 Job 28; will not take note of my faults.” • Listen to wisdom singing her Bar 3:9; 19 Pro 1:20; He fears the scrutiny of men and 24 own praises and extolling her- 8; does not realize that the Lord’s eyes self in the midst of her people. 2 See, 9:1-6 are a thousand times brighter than she opens her mouth in the assembly the sun, that they watch the conduct of the Most High, she glories in herself of all men and penetrate into the most before the Almighty. secret corners. 20 All things were pres- 3 I came out from the mouth of God ent to him before they were created and covered the face of the earth like 4 and so will they be after their end. a mist; although my dwelling place 13:21 21 This man will be punished in view is in the highest heavens, my throne of the whole city, he will be caught is within a pillar of cloud. when he least expects it. 5 I alone have seen and understood 22 In the same way, the woman who the vault of the skies and strolled is unfaithful to her husband and gives through the depths of the abyss, 6 tak- him an heir by another man will be ing possession of the raging sea and punished. 23 First, she has disobeyed of the earth as well, with all its people the law of the Almighty. Second, she and nations. has sinned against her husband; and 7 In all of these, I looked for a place third, she is tainted with adultery, for to rest; in which territory would I set she has had children by another man. up my abode? 24 8 She will be taken before the as - Then the creator of the universe Pro 8:27; sembly and questioned about her commanded me, he who created me Ps 132:8 children. 25 The children will not be assigned the place of my rest, “Pitch able to take root; their branches will your tent in Jacob; Israel will be your not bear fruit. 26 She will leave behind homeland.” sin against the spouse; 3) it is a sin against the ing of God is not something material that we family’s honor. call “heaven”; God dwells in this world in a mys- terious and provisional way, as in a tent. • 24.1 This poem attributed to the Wisdom The wisdom of God rules the universe and all of God is similar to those in Proverbs 8 and Wis- the nations. It has inspired the sages and the dom 7. What is emphasized here is the pres- religions of all countries and yet it came in a ence of Wisdom in God’s people. special way to Israel, which is its dwelling and Two events from sacred history help us under- inheritance. This prepares us for what John stand this presence of God himself through his says in his Gospel 1:3 and 1:9: the Wisdom of Wisdom: God is Christ, and the people through whom it – the cloud which accompanied the Hebrews will be present is the Church. in the desert (see Ex 13:21); Catholic liturgy has used this poem for the – the Tent which served as Sanctuary in the feasts of the Virgin Mary, because the words fi t desert (see Ex 25). the role that God gave her in the Church. On The fi rst image teaches us that God’s glory so the day of the Annunciation, she received the surpasses us, that we can only know something Wisdom in the name of all. This is why she has of God when he hides his glory in the cloud. been granted to be the fi rst of God’s people and The second image teaches us that the real dwell- the mother of all others. 1155 SIRACH 25 9 He created me from the begin- with understanding come from it, as ning, before time began, and I will from the Euphrates and Jordan at never cease to be, 10 I celebrate in his harvest time; 27 the fl oods of instruc- presence the liturgy of his Holy Dwell- tion run like the Nile or the Gihon in ing and this is why I settled in Zion. time of vintage. 11 The Lord let me rest in his beloved 28 He who comes fi rst is unable to city and Jerusalem is the heart of my grasp her fully and neither will the last kingdom. 12 I took root in the people exhaust her. 29 For her thoughts are God has favored, in the land of the wider than the sea and her designs, Lord, in their inheritance. deeper than the abyss. 13 I grew like a cedar in Lebanon, as the cypress on Mount Hermon. I have not worked for myself alone 14 I grew like the palm trees in En- • 30 I, for my part, went forth like a gedi and the rosebuds of Jericho; as brook from a river, a stream diverted 31 a magnifi cent olive on the plains and into a delightful garden. I thought, Ezk like a plane tree I grew tall. “Let me irrigate my orchard and water 47:1-12 15 I poured out my perfume like a my fl owers.” But now my brook has fragrant fl ower, like exquisite myrrh I grown into a river and the river, into have given choice scent; like fragrant a sea. plants and as the smoke of incense 32 May my teaching shine forth like which burns in the Sanctuary of God. the dawn; may I carry its light to far- 16 I spread out my branches like a away places. 33 I will spread my teach- vine; these are glory and grace. 17 As ing like a prophecy and leave it to a vine I put out graceful shoots and future generations. my blossoms are riches and glory. 34 See, all of you, that I have not 19 Come to me, you who desire me worked for myself alone but for all 20 Ps 19:11 and take your fi ll of my fruits. To those who seek wisdom.

experience me is sweeter than honey 1 and to possess me sweeter than any 25 Three things delight me and are 21 delightful to God and people: agree- Jn 4:13; honeycomb. Those who eat me will 6:35 ment between brothers, friendship between hunger still; those who drink me will neighbors, and perfect harmony between thirst for more. 22 Those who obey me husband and wife. will not be put to shame; those who 2 There are three kinds of persons whom SIR serve me will not fall into sin. I detest and whose existence I cast away 23 from me: a poor man full of pride, a rich Dt 33:4 All this and no other is the Book man who is a liar, and an adulterous old of the Covenant of the Most High God, man who is a fool. the law that Moses entrusted to us, 3 If you have saved nothing in your the inheritance of the congregations youth, what will you have in old age? of Israel. 4 What a great thing is old age with sound 25 judgment, an old man who can counsel! This Law feeds the springs of wis- 5 What a great thing is wisdom in those dom, like the Pishon or Tigris in the who are old, or understanding and pru- 26 Jos 3:15 season of fruit. Waters overfl owing dence in the great.

The last verses return to practical things: the and businessman, he marvels at all that he has wisdom of God is found especially in the law, re ceived from divine Wisdom. He is well aware that is, in the book of his words. that his work is of exceptional importance for many believers in the future, and he gives • 30. Ben Sira is a sage. After years of fi del- thanks to God. The All-powerful has done ity in his duty as father of a family, counselor great things for me (Lk 1:49). SIRACH 25 1156 6 Rich experience is the crown of the die because of the inheritance of the con- old, their pride is the fear of the Lord. gregations of Israel. 7 I think of nine things which I consider 25 Do not let water leak out or give free happy and a tenth to which I will also refer: rein to a wicked woman. 26 If she does not the man who fi nds his happiness in his do as you tell her, get rid of her. children; the man who sees the ruin of his 8 1 enemies in his lifetime. Happy the man • Happy the husband of a good Pro who lives with a sensible wife; he who does 26 wife, the number of his days 31:10 not plow with a donkey and ox; he who 2 has done no wrong in speech; he who does will be doubled. A woman of charac- not serve an unworthy master. 9 Happy he ter is her husband’s joy, he will live in who has acquired good sense and is able peace all the years of his life. to speak before an attentive audience! 3 A good wife is the best of gifts, 10 Great is he who has gained wisdom, but reserved for those who fear the Lord; no one surpasses the man who fears the 4 rich or poor, he will have a serene Lord. 11 Since the fear of the Lord excels heart and a happy face. everything, who can compare with the one 5 Three things disturb me and a fourth who possesses it? 13 frightens me: neighborhood gossip, a riot- Any wound rather than the wound of ing mob, a false accusation, all these are the heart; any wickedness rather than the 6 14 worse than death. But the woman jealous wickedness of a woman; any sadness of another woman brings heartbreak, her rather than that infl icted by an enemy; any tongue lashes out at everyone. vengeance rather than the vengeance of a 7 A bad wife is like a badly fi xed yoke; foe. taking her is like grasping a scorpion. 15 There is no poison worse than a 8 A drunken wife causes scandal; her snake’s venom, there is no rage worse disgrace will not remain hidden. than an enemy’s. 9 16 A licentious woman is noticed by her Pro 21:9; Better to live with a lion and a snake than 21:19; secretive looks and recognized by her to share a house with a wicked woman. 27:15 lively eyes. 10 Keep a fi rm eye on a defi ant 17 Wickedness disfi gures a woman’s ap- daughter, so that she may not take advan- pearance, it saddens the face, making her tage of some occasion. look like a bear. 11 18 When her husband dines with his Guard against the provocative woman neighbor, he sighs bitterly, in spite of him- and do not be surprised if she wishes to drag you into disgrace. self. 12 19 All wickedness is nothing compared She opens her mouth like a thirsty with a woman’s wickedness. Let her lot be traveler to drink any water coming her that of a sinner! way; she sits by any pole and opens her 20 As a sandhill is to an old man’s feet, quiver to every arrow. so is the talkative woman to her quiet hus- 13 band. 21 Do not be fooled by a woman’s A wife’s grace gladdens her hus- beauty or fall in love with her. band and her prudence refreshes his 22 Expect anger, reproach and plenty of body. 14 A wife who knows how to be shame when the wife rules the husband. silent is a gift from the Lord; the well- 23 Dejected spirits, a sad face and un- trained wife is invaluable. 15 A mod- seen wounds, these are the work of a wick- est wife is a favor among favors; the ed woman. Idle hands and unsteady knees are found when a wife brings her husband chaste wife is priceless. no happiness. 16 Like the sun rising over the moun- 24 1Tim For sin began with woman and we all tains of the Lord, such is the enchant- 2:14 • 26.1 Ben Sira praises the perfect woman tion. It is true for both man and woman, even if from a moral and physical viewpoint. With the latter does not know the slavery and endem- regard to this it would be necessary to show ic misery of Ben Sira’s time. Today’s cities offer how the modern urban society is destructive of an immense fi eld of action for Christian family all those who are not in an independent situa- groups. 1157 SIRACH 28 ment of a good wife in a well-kept 15 Blood is spilt when proud men quarrel and their insults are painful to the ear. house. 16 17 He who betrays a secret is no lon- Like the light which shines from ger trusted; he will no longer fi nd reliable the sacred lamp stand, such is a friends. 17 Love your friend and be loyal; beautiful face in a well-shaped body. if you have revealed his secrets, go with 18 Like pillars of gold on a silver base, him no longer. 18 It is like having lost some such are beautiful legs on sturdy feet. of your relatives: his friendship to you has died. 19 There are two things which grieve me 19 Like a bird, you have let your friend and a third which makes me angry: a war- go, you will not get him back. When you rior who suffers want; intelligent men who open your hand, the bird fl ies off; 20 do not are treated contemptuously; a man who pursue him: he is far away and has fl ed like turns from virtue to sin. The Lord singles a gazelle from the snare. 21 For a wound this man out to strike him down. can be bandaged and an insult forgiven, 20 The merchant can barely avoid greed; but if you betray a secret there is no hope. the shopkeeper cannot remain sinless. 22 The man who winks an eye is plotting

1 evil, no one can persuade him to change. Many sin for love of gain, he who 23 27 desires riches silences his con- He is all sweetness to your face, prais- science. ing your words, but behind your back he 2 speaks differently and twists your words. Just as the stake is settled between 24 two stones, so sin wedges itself between I hate many things but nothing more than this man; the Lord, also, hates and buying and selling. 3 The house of him who curses him. does not keep himself fi rmly in the fear 25 of the Lord will soon be knocked to the When one tosses a stone in the air it ground. falls back on his head; whoever deals a 4 treacherous blow, wounds himself. When a sieve is shaken the dirt falls 26 through; so, too, the defects of a man are He who digs a pit will fall into it; he seen when he begins to speak. who sets a snare will be caught in it. 27 If you do evil, evil will befall you and 5 The kiln tests the potter’s handiwork; a you will not know from where it comes. man is tested by his conversation. 28 6 The proud man makes use of mock- Mt 7:16 A well-tended tree is shown by its fruits, so a man’s feelings can be detected ery and insults, but vengeance lies in wait in what he says. for him like a lion. 29 Those who gloat over the downfall of 7 Praise no one before he has spoken, since this is the acid test. good men will fall into the snare; suffering will consume them before they die. 8 If you pursue righteousness, you will 30 Grudge and wrath, these also are achieve it and wear it like a festive gar- SIR ment. abominations in which sinful people excel. 9 Birds associate with their own kind, Don’t bear grudges so, too, does truth greet those who are faithful. 1 He who demands revenge will 10 The lion lurks in wait for its prey; so, 28 suffer the vengeance of the Lord too, does sin lie in wait for those who do who keeps a strict account of his sins. wrong. 2 Forgive the mistakes of your neigh- Mt 5:23; 11 The wise man’s conversation follows 6:12 wisdom all the time. In contrast, the fool bor and you may ask that your sins changes like the moon. be forgiven. 12 When among fools, be sparing with 3 If a man bears resentment against your time; among thoughtful people, be another, how can he ask God for heal- 13 Ecl 7:3-6 4 lavish with it. The conversation of fools ing? If he has no compassion on oth- Mt 18:23 is hateful, their laughter is coarse and rau- ers, how can he pray for forgiveness cous. 5 14 No one can bear those who swear all for his sins? As long as he, mere the time. Their quarrels make you cover fl esh, is resentful, who will obtain his your ears. pardon? SIRACH 28 1158 6 Remember your end and give up burnt up itself; it will lunge at them like a lion, and rip them apart like a leopard. hatred; keep in mind your fi nal corrup- 24 tion in the grave and keep the com- Look, you put a fence around your 7 property and protect your silver and gold. Lev mandments. Remember the com- 25 19:17; In the same way, make weights and 23:4 mandments and do not bear grudges scales for your words and put a bolted against your neighbor. Remember the door at your mouth. Covenant with the Most High and over- 26 Beware of a slip of the tongue when look the offense. you speak, lest you fall in front of those who lie in wait for you. 8 Refrain from quarreling and you will avoid sin; the hot-headed man sparks off • 1 Lending to your neighbor is an disputes. 29 act of mercy, going to his aid ful- 9 The sinner causes trouble between fi lls the commandments. friends, sowing discord among peaceful 2 Learn to lend to your neighbor when people. he is in need and, in turn, repay him any 10 Fire burns when fuel is thrown on it; loan on time. stubbornness drags out the discussion. 3 Keep your word, remain faithful and The more powerful the man, the greater you will fi nd what you need on every occa- his rage; his anger will be in proportion to sion. his riches. 4 Many think of a loan as a quick deal 11 A sudden quarrel sparks off a fi re; a and put those who help them in a fi x. hasty dispute leads to bloodshed. 5 The moment they receive it, they kiss 12 Blow on a spark and it ignites; spit the hand of the moneylender and humble on it and it dies out: both come from your themselves in deference to his wealth. But mouth. on the day repayment is due, they prolong Jas 3: 13 Cursed be the gossiper with his spite- the time, repay with reproaches and blame 1-12 ful tongue. He has destroyed many who the current situation. lived peacefully. 14 The vicious tongue has 6 If they can repay, they pay barely half demolished many and hounded them from and the moneylender will be grateful for nation to nation. It has ruined powerful cit- that much. They have robbed him of his ies and laid low great households. money and, moreover, he has gained ene- 15 The vicious tongue has cast out wives mies, for they repay him with curses and who were beyond reproach, depriving insults and reproaches instead of grati- them of the fruit of their work. 16 Whoever tude. listens to it will never fi nd rest or be able to 7 Many a good person refuses to lend, live in peace. not for any malicious reason: he is afraid 17 The whip leaves a mark but the lash of being cheated without cause. 8 of the tongue shatters bones. Nevertheless, be kind to those who Tb 12: 18 8-9; Many have been felled by the sword have fallen on hard times, do not keep Mt 6:19; but many more have perished by the them waiting for your help. 19:21 tongue. 9 For the commandments’ sake, help 19 Happy he who has escaped it and has the poor man; see his need and do not turn not been exposed to its fury, who has not him away empty-handed. been weighed down by its yoke or been 10 Better to spend your money on a Jas 5:3 tied up in its chains. brother or friend than to let it rust under a 20 For it is a yoke of iron and its chains stone, to your discredit. are bronze. 21 It brings a miserable death. 11 Use your money according to the Actual death is better! 22 But it will not tyr- commandments of the Most High and you annize those who keep faith, it will not will fi nd it more valuable than gold. 12 consume their soul. Fill your barns with good deeds and Tb 4:9; 23 Those who desert the Lord will be its these will rescue you from misfortune. Lk 16:9 victims, it will burn them without being 13 They will fi ght for you against your • 29.1 Verses 2-6 deal with those who ask for others without charge is the best assurance for loans and do not pay back. against misfortune. On this subject see Tobit Alms and, in a broader sense, all that we do 4:9 and Luke 16:9. 1159 SIRACH 30 en e my better than any strong shield and he will be proud of him. 2 The man mighty spear. 14 who corrects his son will reap the A good man goes surety for his neigh- ben efi t and be proud of him among bor; the scoundrel leaves him to his fate. 3 15 Do not forget the favors of your guar- his acquaintances. By instructing his antor: he has risked his life for you. son he makes his enemy envious; he 16 The sinner wastes his guarantor’s will be well pleased with him in the mon ey; the ungrateful man forgets the one company of his friends. 17 who saved him. Acting as guarantor has 4 If such a father dies, it is as if he Tb 9:6 ruined many a good man and has tossed him like the waves of the sea. 18 It has ban- had not died, for he leaves behind him ished powerful men and forced them to another man like himself. 5 In life he wander among foreign nations. had the joy of his company and he is 19 The sinner is anxious to be a guaran- not sorrowful when death comes. tor but he will be condemned as a loan 6 He leaves it to his family to take shark. 20 Help your neighbor as far as you can revenge on his enemies and to return but beware of falling into the same plight. gifts to his friends. 21 Some things you cannot live without: 7 The man who coddles his son will water, bread, clothes and a house for shel- be constantly bandaging his wounds; ter. 22 at his every cry he will be troubled. Better a poor man’s life in his wood- 8 en shack than lavish banquets in another Just as a badly broken-in horse man’s house. cannot be mounted, so a spoiled son 23 Be content with whatever you have, becomes insolent. 9 Pamper your child be it great or small; this is better than to go and later he will terrify you; play with elsewhere and be reproached as an out- him and he will bring you sorrow. sider. 10 24 Do not laugh at him lest you have It is hard to go from house to house; 11 25 when you are an outsider, do not risk to suffer and grind your teeth. Do opening your mouth. You will eat and drink not let him be independent as a child, without much welcome and, on top of that, 12 but rather bruise his ribs while he is hear bitter remarks: 26 “Come, stranger, set still young, lest he grow stubborn and the table and whatever you have, give it to refuse to obey. me to eat.” 13 27 “Be off, stranger, make room for some- Be strict with your son and perse- body more important; my brother is com- vere in this, so as not to suffer because ing to see me, I need the house.” of his misconduct. 28 SIR It is hard for a good man to have hos- 14 pitality denied him and to be the reproach- Better a poor man healthy and fi t, than ing of the lender. a rich man tormented in body. 15 Health and vigor are worth more than Correct your child gold, a robust body, more than great wealth. 16 No riches are preferable to physical well- • 1 The man who loves his son being, and no joy is greater than a cheerful 30 makes use of the rod; later on heart.

• 30.1 Here Ben Sira touches a point on how to threaten, scream, have a tantrum, with which the destiny of a people depends. Every- the assurance that, in the end, his parents will one complains that there are few responsible give in: “What can we do? The child does not people. We experience good intentions every- want it.” where, but where are the people who can per- Ben Sira knows that only children who are severe in doing good and carry out their good subject to discipline and whose whims are not intentions? The major cause of a lack of maturity satisfi ed by their parents, only they will come in willpower is found in the total lack of parental to real freedom, because they are able to perse- authority. A three-month-old baby knows that if vere in doing good. he keeps crying he will force the mother to pick Christianity, of course, is not founded on the him up. When he is two years old, a child knows observance of law. Yet, though every believer SIRACH 30 1160

17 Job 7:13 Death is better than a wretched life 8 Happy is the rich man who has and eternal rest preferable to lasting sick- not sinned in this way and has not ness. gone after gold! 9 Who is he? Let us 18 Dishes of food placed on an empty tomb are like good things offered to one say: Fortunate man! For he has given who cannot eat. a wonderful example. 19 What good is a sacrifi ce offered to an 10 Who has been tested in this and idol? It can neither eat nor smell. So is it found perfect? He has reason to be with the one whom the Lord has stricken; 20 proud. Who could have sinned but he sees with his eyes and groans, like a resisted, who could have done wrong eunuch embracing a virgin and sighing. 11 21 Do not give yourself over to sadness and did not do it? His fortune is fi rm- or torment yourself with brooding. ly established and the assembly will 22 Joy of heart is life to a man; gladness acknowledge his generosity. gives him length of days. 23 Delight your soul and console your Dinner parties heart; chase sorrow far away, for sorrow • 12 Are you seated at a lavish banquet? has destroyed many and never did good Don’t be over-ready to eat and don’t say, to anyone. “What a feast!” 24 Jealousy and anger shorten your life; 13 Remember that a greedy eye is an evil worry makes you old before the time. thing. What is worse than such an eye? 25 Pro A cheerful and kindly person will have That is why it was condemned to weep. 15:15 a good appetite and enjoy his food. 14 Do not stretch out your hand to every- thing you see or be quick in reaching for 1 The sleeplessness that wealth brings a dish. 15 Judge the needs of your fellow 31 makes a man lose weight; his wor- guests by your own and in all things act ries drive sleep away. prudently. 2 The cares of the day prevent sleep; in 16 Eat what is set before you like an edu- the same way, serious illness makes rest cated person and don’t be a glutton, lest impossible. you be detested. 17 Like a well-mannered man, be the Happy the one who doesn’t fi rst to stop; don’t be voracious if you are go after gold to avoid diffi culties. 18 If important people

3 are present, do not be the fi rst to serve The rich man toils to increase his yourself. wealth and then sits back and lives in 19 A little is suffi cient for a well-bred per- luxury; 4 the poor man toils to survive son; your breathing moreover will be easier and is in want as soon as he leaves when you go to bed. 20 Healthy sleeping is off. for the moderate eater. He rises early and 5 feels fi t! Sleeplessness and stomach trou- He who loves gold cannot be righ- ble attend the overindulgent. 21 If you are teous; whoever runs after gain will be obliged to eat too much, go off and vomit led astray. 6 Many have been ruined and you will be at ease. because of gold; disgrace went to 22 Listen to me, my friend, and do not meet them. neglect what I say; in the end you will see 7 the truth of it. Be moderate in all that you Gold is a snare for those who are do and you will be without illness. possessed by love of it. The senseless 23 A generous host is appreciated: he is will be caught in it. justly praised, 24 but everyone will complain

may experience something of the “spirit,” we abstain from wine. The New Testament will not will have trouble reaping its fruits if we are not condemn wine either: such is the meaning of disciplined. Jesus’ fi rst miracle in Cana (Jn 2). Nevertheless, the Books of Wisdom have • 31.12 Scripture does not condemn the many warnings against drunkenness. See what use of wine: it was made for our delight (see Paul has to say in Ephesians 5:18 and 1 Corin- Ps 104:15). Only those consecrated as nazirites thians 5:11. 1161 SIRACH 33 about a stingy host and their complaints 14 Whoever fears the Lord will accept his will be justifi ed. correction, and those who rise at dawn will 25 Do not try to show how much wine win his favor. you can take, for wine has been the ruin 15 The man who follows his law will be of many. 26 As the furnace tests the temper nourished by it, but the hypocrite will fi nd of steel, so wine proves hearts and makes it a stumbling block. proud men quarrel. 16 Those who fear the Lord will please 27 1Tim Wine is life for man if taken in mod- him and their good deeds will shine as a 5:23 eration. What is life without wine? 28 Wine light. makes for a glad heart and a cheerful mind, 17 The sinner refuses correction and if taken moderately and at the right time. excuses himself for doing what he wants. 29 But if taken to excess it brings bitterness 18 A person of judgment refl ects before- of soul, excitement and a fumbling step. hand; the stubborn and proud man goes 30 Drunkenness infl ames the anger of ahead without worrying about anything. a stupid person to the point of scandal. It 19 Never act without fi rst refl ecting, and reduces his strength and brings him blows. you will have no regrets. 31 Do not reproach a neighbor during a wine 20 Do not go along a rough road lest feast, and don’t look down on him when he you stumble on stones. 21 And do not be is merry; do not speak harshly to him or too sure of your step on a smooth path. annoy him by asking him to settle a debt. 22 Beware even of your own children. 23 Be careful in whatever you do. In so 1 Have you been chosen to preside doing you keep the commandments. 32 at a party? Don’t give yourself airs! 24 Those who trust in the law will keep Just be like everyone else in the group; the commandments and those who obey see to their needs and then sit down. the Lord will come to no harm. 2 When you have done what you should, take your place and enjoy yourself with the 1 Evil will not go to meet the one others. They will congratulate you for a job 33 who fears the Lord; if he is in danger well done. he will be rescued. 3 If you are older, speak as befi ts your 2 The wise man never departs from the age, but know what you are talking about law; he who only pretends to keep it is like and do not interrupt the music. a storm-tossed boat. 4 3 If there is a concert, refrain from speak- An intelligent man has faith in the law, 1S 14:41; ing; it is not the time for playing the wise which for him is as trustworthy as an ora- 1Mac man. 5 A musical concert at a wine banquet cle. 3:48 is like a ruby set in gold. 6 As an emerald 4 If you want people to listen to you, pre- signet set in a work of gold, so is the music pare what you have to say; recall what you

with good wine. have learned before you give an answer. SIR 7 If you are young, speak if you have 5 A cartwheel! That is what the feelings of to, but not more than twice and only if a fool are like. His mind resembles a turn- requested. 8 Keep to the point and say it ing axle. all in a few words. Show that you are well 6 A mocking friend is like a wild horse, informed but not over-anxious to speak. neighing when anyone rides him. 9 Do not try to be the equal of eminent 7 Why is one day holier than another, people and do not chat when someone when the light of the sun shines on every else is speaking. day of the year? 8 By the Lord’s decision 10 As lightning goes before thunder, the they were made different; he arranged the reputation of a modest man goes before different seasons and feasts. him. 9 Some of these he chose to make holy, 11 Leave the party at the right time and others he made ordinary days. 10 All human do not be slow about it; no lingering, go beings come from clay just as Adam him- straight home! self was formed. 11 In the fullness of his wis- 12 There, you may relax and do as you dom the Lord made each one unique and please, but do not sin by bragging. diversifi ed his conditions. 13 12 And thank your Creator for the enjoy- Some he made holy, keeping them 1S 2:6; ment of all good things. near to himself. Others he cursed and Lk 1:51 SIRACH 33 1162 humiliated, removing them from where 31 You have a slave? Let him be like you; they were. for you bought him through blood. 13 32 Is 29:16; As clay in the hand of the potter, to You have a slave? Treat him like a Rom 9:21 be molded as he pleases, so are all, in the brother. You need him as you need your- hands of the Creator, to be dealt with as he self. 33 If you ill-treat him and he escapes, sees fi t. where will you go to look for him? 14 Good is the opposite of evil; and life, of death; and the sinner is the opposite of Dreams 15 42:24; the upright. Consider all the works of the • 1 The foolish are deceived by Ecl 3:1-8 Most High and you will see how they go in 34 pairs, by opposites. vain and false hopes; dreams 16 As for me I have been the last to keep give them wings. 2 watch, like a gleaner following the grape- To rely on dreams is like grasping pickers. 17 By the blessing of the Lord I have a shadow or chasing the wind. 3 What taken the lead and like the grape-picker I you see in dreams are only refl ec- have fi lled the wine press. 18 Note that not tions: a person sees his own image. only for myself have I toiled, but for all who 4 seek instruction. 19 Hear me, rulers of the What clean thing can come from Job 14:4 people, leaders of the assembly hear! what is unclean? What truth comes 5 20 Neither to son, wife, brother nor friend from what is false? Divinations, omens Ecl 5:6 give power over yourself during your life. and dreams are empty, like the fanta- Do not give your property to another in sies of a woman in labor. case you regret it and have to beg them 6 Unless they come as messengers to return it. 21 of the Most High, do not pay attention As long as you live and there is breath 7 in you, do not give power over yourself to to them. For dreams have led many anyone. 22 It is preferable for your children people astray. Those who hoped in to be dependent on you, than that you be them have fallen. obliged to depend on them. 23 Be master of 8 Not so the Law, which never fails all that you do; let not others stain your but comes true. Wisdom from the reputation. 24 Wait until the end of your days, until truth ful lips of God is the highest death is near, to distribute your inheri- truth. tance. 9 One who has traveled knows a great deal, and a man of wide experience will Your slaves talk soundly. 10 A person who has not had 25 Pro 26:3 Fodder, stick and burdens are for the trials knows very little. But the traveled donkey; bread, correction and work are for man is competent in many ways. 11 I have the slave. made many discoveries on my travels 26 Put your slave to work and you will and understood more than I can express. have peace. Let him take it easy and he 12 I have often been in danger of death but will want to be free. 27 Yoke and harness have been saved thanks to my experi- will bow the neck. For a criminal slave ence. there are torture and the stocks. 13 The spirit of those who fear the Lord 28 Send him to work or he will be idle, will live, for their hope is placed in the One and idleness teaches much evil. 29 Give who saves. him work that is appropriate for him; if he 14 He who fears the Lord is in dread of does not obey, put his feet in chains. nothing. He will not be cowardly for he 30 But do not be over-demanding with is his hope. 15 He who fears the Lord is a anyone and do nothing without discern- happy person. To whom does he turn? ment. Who is his support?

• 34.1 Previously in Israel, dreams were dream, the author teaches that we must not be very important. Here we have a reaction against guided by dreams: the sure way is to fulfi ll God’s dreams. Without denying that, in some cases, law (see commentary on Gen 37). God can guide or warn the believer through a 1163 SIRACH 35

16 2 Ps The eyes of the Lord are on those Returning kindness is an offering Lev 2:1 33:18; 34:16 who love him. For them he is powerful of fi ne fl our; giving alms is a sacrifi ce protection, strong support; shelter against of praise. scorching wind and the midday sun. He is 3 a safeguard against stumbling and assur- Renouncing sin pleases the Lord, ance against a fall. 17 He lifts up the soul and shunning injustice is a sacrifi ce of and gives a sparkle to the eyes; he gives atonement. healing, life and blessing. 4 Do not appear before the Lord with Offerings pleasing to God empty hands. The commandment re - quires that you bring an offering. 18 • 5 An offering to God from stolen When the offering of the righteous Lev 16:1 goods is a stained offering, the sac- is burned on the altar, the fat drips rifi ces of the wicked do not please down and a fragrant aroma rises to God. the Most High. 19 Am The Most High takes no pleasure 6 5:21; The sacrifi ce of the just man Is 1:11; in the offering of the godless. It is not Ps 50:8 pleases God and will not be forgot- the number of victims that obtains ten. 7 Honor the Lord with a generous pardon for sin. heart and do not be stingy with the 20 Offering to God from what belongs fi rst fruits of your harvest. 8 to the poor is like slaughtering a son Offer your gifts with a smiling face Lev in the presence of his father. and when you pay your tithes do it 2:1-3 21 Bread is life to the poor; he who gladly. 22 Lev takes it from them is a murderer. He 19:13; Jer who deprives others of a livelihood The Lord will not delay 22:13 kills them, and whoever withdraws the • 9 Give to the Most High as he has salary of a worker is guilty of blood. given to you; give generously to the 23 If one builds and the other de - Lord according to what you have; 10 stroys, what do they gain besides the Lord will repay, he will reward Dt 26:1 trouble? 24 If one prays and the other you sevenfold. 11 curses, whose voice will the Master If you attempt to bribe him with 2Cor 9:7; listen to? gifts he will not accept them; do not Dt 14:22 25 If a man is cleansed after touch- rely on offerings from dishonest gain. ing a corpse and then touches it 12 The Lord is judge and shows no again, what good was there in his partiality. 13 He will not disadvantage SIR cleansing? the poor, he who hears the prayer of 26 14 If anyone fasts for his sins and the oppressed. He does not disdain Dt 10:17 then commits the same sins, who will the plea of the orphan, nor the com- hear his prayer? What value is there plaint of the widow. in his fasting? 15 When tears fl ow down her cheeks, is she not crying out against the one 1 Keeping the law is worth many who caused her to weep? 35 offerings. Being faithful to the 16 The one who serves God whole- commandments is like a peace offer- heartedly will be heard; his petition 17 ing. will reach the clouds. The prayer of 22:21; Pro 23: 10-11 • 18. What infuriates the sacred author is that of worship as long as it is not a way of forget- after they have stripped the humble, the rich come ting our responsibilities concerning injustice in to the temple to offer their magnifi cent presents. our world. The Lord is pleased with our sacri- fi ces but, above all, he hears the prayer of the • 35.9 We must generously assist in the cost orphan and sees the tears of the widow. SIRACH 35 1164 the humble person pierces the clouds, 7 Hasten the day; remember your and he is not consoled until he has Covenant so that we may speak of been heard. 18 His prayer will not cease your great deeds. 8 Let the survivors until the Most High has looked down, be consumed in fi ery wrath, let those until justice has been done in favor of who oppress be sent to perdition. the righteous. 9 Crush the heads of hostile rulers— 19 And the Lord will not delay, nor those who say they alone count. will he be patient with the wicked, 10 Gather all the tribes of Jacob, 20 but he will crush the backbone of the give them back their inheritance, as merciless and have vengeance on in the beginning. 21 11 Job the nations, until he has completely Have pity, Lord, on the people 4:22 16:18 de stroyed the hordes of the violent known by your name, on Israel whom and broken the power of the wicked, you called your fi rstborn. 22 12 until he has repaid each one accord- Show compassion to the Holy 2S 5:9 ing to his deeds, 23 until he has judged City, to Jerusalem where you rest. his people and made them rejoice 13 Fill Zion with the fame of your won- because of his mercy. ders, and your people with your glory. 24 Blessed is his mercy in the time 14 Confi rm the promises made to of adversity! It is like rain clouds dur- your people long ago and fulfi ll the ing a drought! promises made in your name. 15 Prayer for the deliverance of Israel Reward those who wait for you 1 and fulfi ll the words of your prophets. Ps 79; • Have mercy on us, Master, 16 Jer 36 Hear the prayer of your servants, Num 10:25 God of all, and look on us; make 6:22 every nation stand in fear of you. Lord; hear your priests giving Aaron’s 2 Take action against the pagan blessing to your people. nations and let them see your power. 17 So that all on earth may acknowl- 3 Ezk As you have used us to show your edge that you are Lord and everlast- 38:22 holiness to them, so use them to show ing God. your glory to us. Choosing a wife 4 Is 45:14; Let them acknowledge, as we 18 1K 8:43 The stomach takes in all kinds of food have acknowledged, that there is no but one food is better than another. God but you, Lord. 19 Just as the tongue can distinguish 5 Give new signs, do fresh wonders, the fl avor of meat, so does the alert mind detect lies. stretch out your hand and be glorifi ed 20 in your strength. A crooked heart causes sorrow, but 6 an experienced person knows how to get Kindle your fury and rouse your even with him. 21 anger, destroy your opponents, crush A woman will accept any husband but Pro 5:15 your enemy. some daughters are better than others.

• 36.1 The author shares the ideas of his vocation they were often able to resist disper- contemporaries who think only of the salva- sion and assimilation. tion of the world through the salvation of the The New Testament shows us that all of Jewish people. He believes in the promises of God’s promises to his people have been fulfi lled the prophets: God will do justice and will gather in Jesus. It is on the basis of this certitude that together the dispersed children of Israel. we must re-evaluate the words of God. At fi rst they all seemed centered on the gift to Israel of This hope has always been the strength of material land within the limits of Palestine. The the Jewish people. After Christ, the Jews were prophets show that things were not so simple, dispersed as the Gospel foretold. Counting on and Jesus teaches his apostles that salvation his- God’s promises and the certitude of their unique tory is a process of deaths and resurrections. 1165 SIRACH 38 22 Woman’s beauty rejoices people and 12 But go to a trustworthy man whom is beyond all that could be wished for. you know to be a keeper of the command- 23 If she is kindly-spoken and gentle he ments, whose soul refl ects your own and is the most fortunate of men. who will suffer with you, if you fail. 24 When a man marries he acquires a 13 In the end, keep to your own heart’s fortune, someone who understands him advice, since no one deserves to be trust- and who will help and support him. ed more than your heart. 25 14 Pro 15:4 When there is no hedge the property For a man’s soul often gives better will be destroyed; and when a man has no ad vice than seven watchmen placed on a wife he is a fretful wanderer. height. 26 15 Who would trust a clever robber fl it- Besides all this, implore the Almighty Pro 16:9 ting from town to town? 27 And who would to guide your steps in the truth. trust a man without a nest, who lodges 16 A plan must be at the beginning of all wherever nightfall fi nds him? work; refl ection comes before every action. 17 When you decide, four ways are open 18 Friends and counselors before you: good, evil, life and death. Pro 1 18:21 6:5-17 Every friend says, “I am your friend, Your own decision makes the choice. 37 too,” but some friends are only friends 19 A clever man may teach many but do in name. no good for himself. 2 Is it not a deadly grief when a compan- 20 A man may be wise, but if his words ion or friend turns into an enemy? are rejected he will end up starving, 3 O evil intention! From where have you 21 not having won the favor of the Lord sprung, to cover the earth with deceit? and being destitute of all wisdom. 4 One kind of comrade takes advantage 22 Another man is wise for himself. He of his friend’s good fortune; in time of trou- himself takes advantage of his wisdom. ble he turns against him. 5 Another kind 23 The truly wise man teaches his peo- shares his friend’s suffering, for the sake of ple, and they benefi t by his knowledge. a meal; when it comes to a fi ght, he thinks 24 The wise man is full of blessings; only of saving himself. those who see him call him happy. 6 Do not neglect a friend or forget him 25 Man’s days are numbered but Israel’s once you are wealthy. days are countless. 7 All advisers give advice but some seek 26 The wise man will win the confi dence only their own gain. of his people; his name will live forever. 8 Distrust the person who offers advice, 27 My son, test yourself during the course lest he take advantage of you; fi rst of all, of your life; see what is harmful and avoid it. 28 ask yourself what he lacks, and what his For everything does not suit everybody, 1Cor 3:2; own interest suggests to him. nor is everyone satisfi ed with all things. 6:12; 9 Perhaps he says to you, “You are on 29 Do not be insatiable in every plea- Heb

5:12 SIR the right road,” while he keeps his dis- sure, or be excessive in what you eat; 30 for tance, to see what happens to you. overeating leads to sickness and glut- 10 Do not seek advice from one who tony brings indigestion. 31 Many have died looks at you suspiciously; hide your plans because of gluttony; he who takes care from those who envy you. prolongs his life. 11 Do not consult a woman about her rival, or a coward about war, or a merchant The doctor about exchange rates, or a buyer about • 1 Give due honor to the doc- selling, or a jealous man about gratitude, 38 tor, for you need him and God or a selfi sh person about generosity, or an himself established him. idler about any kind of work, or a casual 2 worker about fi nishing a job, or a lazy ser- Healing, in fact, comes from the vant about an important task. Do not rely Most High; the gift of healing comes on these people for any advice. from the Sovereign.

• 38.1 We must pray to be healed of a disease, but without neglecting the help of doctors as some people do. This is clearly stated in Scripture (vv. 7, 12-13). SIRACH 38 1166 3 The doctor’s expertise gives him 20 Do not let your heart give way to grief; bear up and think of your own end. prestige and wins for him the admira- 21 tion of the powerful. Remember! There is no coming back, 4 you do the dead no good, but rather harm The Lord created the medici- yourself. nal herbs which grow on the earth, 22 Keep in mind my sentence which will and these a sensible person will not be yours as well: mine yesterday, yours despise. today! 23 5 When the dead person is at rest, let his 15:23 Remember that he used a simple memory be one of peace; be comforted on wooden rod to purify water and so his account once his spirit has departed. make known his power to everyone. 6 It is he who gives knowledge to Craftsmen and wise men humans so that his power be glori- 24 A law student acquires wisdom during fi ed; 7 the doctor uses it to heal and his leisure hours; free from business he is capable of becoming wise. comfort, the chemist to make his 25 8 How can the man who guides a plow mixtures. In that way the Lord’s work become wise, he whose pride lies in snap- never ceases and well-being prevails ping a whip and driving a bullock, who on the earth. works continually and talks of nothing but 9 My son, when you are sick do not cattle? 26 His heart is set on plowing fur- be anxious; pray to the Lord to heal rows and all his attention is given to fatten- 10 ing heifers. you. Give up bad habits, keep your 27 It is the same for all craftsmen and hands unsoiled, and purify your heart skilled workers who toil day and night, pro- from all sin. fessional engravers and designers of seals. 11 Offer incense and a memorial gift All are intent on creating different designs of fi ne fl our and rich offerings accord- and reproducing the model, and they work ing to your means. 12 Then consult the even at night in order to succeed. 28 So, too, is the blacksmith standing doctor; remember that he was estab- beside the anvil intent on forging iron; his lished by the Lord, so do not disre- face is scorched by fl ames from the fi re gard him—you need him. 13 There are and he struggles in the heat of the furnace; cases when good health depends on the clang of the hammer is deafening; his doctors. 14 They, too, will pray to the eyes are fi xed on the model to be copied, he makes every effort to work well and Most High to grant them success in spends time at night in bringing his task to healing in order to save life. perfection. 15 May he who sins before his Maker, 29 It is the same for the potter seated at fall into the hands of the doctor! his work, his foot turning the wheel, always concentrating on what he is molding, every Grieving movement purposefully controlled. 30 His 16 Jer 9:17; My son, weep for the dead, lament arm kneads the clay, his feet make it pli- Ezk 24:15; to express your sorrow and bury the dead able. All his attention is needed in apply- Mk 5:38 with fi tting ceremony, and do not fail to ing the glaze and at night he sees to the honor his tomb. cleaning of the furnace. 17 Weep bitterly, cry out with full voice, 31 All these craftsmen depend on their and observe the period of mourning in hands for gaining skill in their different accordance with the merits of the de - crafts. 32 Without them a city could not be ceased. Let it be for one or two days, and built; no settlers or travelers would come so avoid criticism, and then be consoled in to it. your grief. 33 But they are not to be found in the 18 For sorrow may lead to death and a councils of people, nor do their words dejected heart loses its vitality. carry weight in an assembly. They do not 19 Let your affl iction cease with the fu- occupy the judge’s seat and they are not neral; a life of sorrow is intolerable. familiar with the law. 1167 SIRACH 39 34 They are not cultured people or skilled praise with song and lyre, expressing this in judgment and they are not found among with thanksgiving. authors of proverbs. 16 How magnifi cent are the works of the They uphold creation and civilization, Lord! All his commands are appropriately and their prayer is in their life’s work. timed and satisfy every need. No one should say: “What is this? Why 1 Ps 1:2 Quite different is it with the person is that?” All must be studied in its time. 39 who spends his life refl ecting on the 17 At his word the waters ceased to fl ow law of the Most High. He examines the wis- and piled up, his voice caused the res- 18 dom of the sages in times past and in his ervoir of water to open; at his order his Wis 1:7 free time he studies prophecies. every wish is fulfi lled, and no one hinders 2 He keeps in mind what people of re - his work of salvation. nown have said and penetrates the mys- 19 The deeds of all are before him, noth- tery of parables. 3 He searches for the inner ing is hidden from his eyes; 20 he sees all meaning of proverbs and is interested in from eternity to eternity and nothing sur- the secret of parables. prises him. 4 He is at the service of the great and is 21 No one must say: “What is that? Why seen in the company of leaders. He travels is it so?”, for everything, is created for a in foreign lands and has experience of both purpose. the good and the evil in mankind. 22 His blessing covers all things and, like 5 Early in the morning his heart is set on a river, drenches the land, as in a fl ood. turning to the Lord, his Maker, and raising 23 Similarly he may pour out his wrath on Gen 19:24; his being to the Most High. He opens his the nations, just as he has turned fresh Ps mouth in prayer and makes supplication water into salt. 107:33 because of his sins. 24 If his ways are smooth for holy people 6 Is 11:2 If such is the will of the great Lord he they are full of obstacles for the wicked. will be fi lled with the spirit of discernment. 25 From the beginning, good things have He will then speak words of wisdom and been created for the good and likewise evil celebrate the Lord in prayer. things for the wicked. 7 He will acquire just judgment and knowl- 26 Most necessary for man’s life are water, edge and refl ect on the Lord’s hidden mys- fi re, iron and salt, wheaten fl our, milk, honey, teries. the juice of the grape, oil and clothing. 8 In his teaching he discloses what he 27 All these are good for those who are has learned and glories in the Law of the good, but for sinners they become evil. Lord’s Covenant. 28 Certain winds are created as a means 9 Many people praise his discernment of punishment and in their fury they are and never will he be forgotten. His mem- a scourge, unleashing their violence in

ory will not fade and his name will live on the time of destruction and satisfying the SIR from generation to generation. wrath of their Creator. 10 Nations will proclaim his wisdom and 29 Fire, hail, famine and death have all the assembly will celebrate his praise. been created for punishment. 11 As long as he lives his name will be 30 The fangs of wild beasts, scorpions, more glorious than a thousand others, and vipers and the avenging sword for, the when he dies that fame will be enough. destruction of the wicked, 31 all joyfully carry out his commands, all are ready All creation is good when need arises; and at a given moment, 12 I wish to share still more of my refl ec- they will not fail to obey his word. tions; I am fi lled with them just as the moon 32 For that reason I refl ected; and from is said to be full. the beginning I decided to write: 13 Hear me, devoted people, and grow 33 All the works of the Lord are good and as a rose planted near a stream. he will satisfy every need in due time. 14 Spread fragrance around you like in- 34 You must not say: This is less good cense; blossom and perfume the air like a than that, for in its time everything will lily; sing a hymn and bless Yahweh for all serve a purpose. his works. 35 So now, with all your heart and in full 15 Magnify his name and proclaim his voice, sing and bless the name of the Lord. SIRACH 40 1168 The misery of human life 21 The fl ute and harp make fi ne music, but 1 Job 7:1; Painful is the lot of all humans, a even more appreciated is a pleasant voice. 14:1-2 40 heavy yoke is upon the sons of 22 Gracefulness and beauty delight the Adam; from the day they leave their moth- eye, but not as much as the fresh growth er’s womb, to the day they return to the of fi elds. mother of us all. 23 It is always good for friends and com- 2 What is on their mind, what they fear in panions to meet, better still for husband their heart, is the day of their death. 3 From and wife. the king, glorious on his throne, robed in 24 Brothers and protectors are useful in purple and wearing a crown, 4 to the low- hard times, but it will be of greater help to liest person sitting in dust and ashes and have been a giver of alms. covered with sackcloth, there is anger, 25 Gold and silver make for security envy, trouble and unrest, fear of death, rivalry and quarrels. but good advice is better. 26 5 Job 7:4; And at night when we lie down we have Wealth and strength give confi - Ecl 2:23; 6 8:16 fresh worries: scarcely are we at rest and dence, but good counsel is more es - asleep when we are troubled by dreams as teemed than either. vivid as if it were day and we were fl eeing You cannot suffer loss when you from a battle. 7 When it is time to wake up, we feel surprised to fi nd that there is noth- fear the Lord, with it you have all the ing to fear. support you need. 8 This is the fate of every living creature, 27 The fear of the Lord is like a gar- man and beast; but for sinners it is seven den of blessings; it clothes a person times worse, 9 in death, bloodshed, strife, better than any glory. sword, misfortune, famine, affl iction and 28 My son, do not live the life of a calamity. 10 All these were created for the wicked, beggar; it would be better to die than and the fl ood as well, was sent on their ac - to beg. count. 29 When a man is always eyeing an- 11 Ecl 1:7 Everything that comes from the earth other’s table, it cannot be said that he goes back to the earth, and what comes is really living, for he is defi ling him- from the waters returns to the sea. self with another’s food; an intelligent 12 All bribery, all injustice will disappear but good faith will last forever. and educated man will avoid this. 30 13 The unjust riches will vanish like a That for which a shameless man stream that dries up; they will crash like a begs may seem sweet to his mouth clap of thunder during a downpour. but his inner being is burning. 14 A generous man has reason to rejoice, whereas sinners go to their ruin. Death 15 The children of the ungodly will not be 1 blessed with large families; they are like Death! What a bitter thought plants taking root on sheer rock, 16 like 41 for someone who lives happily reeds in water and along the riverbank, among his possessions, a prosperous withering sooner than other plants. and successful man who is still able 17 Kindness is like a garden of blessings to enjoy his food! and charity endures forever. 2 Your sentence, Death, is welcome 18 Life is pleasant both for an independent person and a self-reliant worker, but still to a needy person whose strength is better off is the one who fi nds a treasure. failing, who is old, worn out, and full 19 The name of a man who has children or of worries; to one who is angry and who has established a town will live on, but without hope! to have found wisdom is a greater good. 3 Do not be afraid of Death’s sen- Owning cattle and plantations brings fame, but a perfect wife is a richer blessing. tence; think of those who have gone 20 Wine and music gladden the heart, before you and those who will follow. 4 Ecl 6:6; but better still is the love of wisdom. The Lord has decreed it for every living 9:10 1169 SIRACH 42 creature; why should you rebel against 20 Be ashamed before the truth of God the good pleasure of the Most High? and his Covenant. Be ashamed of keeping the loaves for yourself, 21 of being unable Whether you live for ten, a hundred to give and to receive, of not returning a or a thousand years, no one in the greeting, netherworld is concerned. 22 of staring at a prostitute, 5 Abominable people, such are the of rejecting a compatriot, children of sinners who gather in the 23 of depriving someone of what is his, of gazing at another man’s wife, houses of the ungodly. 24 6 of being too familiar with your maid- The inheritance of sinners will per- servant—keep away from her bed! ish; their prosperity will be a lasting 25 of insulting words to a friend— reproach. do not follow up a gift with a reproach! 7 An ungodly father will be insult- 26 of repeating what you have heard and ed by his children, for they hold him betraying secrets. 27 On these occasions feel genuine shame responsible for their disgrace. and you will be respected by all. 8 Woe to you, wicked people who have forsaken the Law of the Most High! 1 But do not let yourself be led astray 9 At birth you are born to be cursed and 42 by any of the things that follow. 2 Do you will be cursed at death. not be ashamed of the Law of the Most High and his 10 All that comes from the earth returns Covenant, to the earth, and the ungodly go from curse of judging even the wicked fairly, to ruin. 3 of keeping accounts with a traveling 11 People grieve because their bodies companion, will perish, but even the evil names of sin- and of sharing your inheritance with ners will be blotted out. friends, 12 Ecl 7:1 Have regard for your reputation, for it 4 of checking weights and scales, 5 of will live on, of greater value than a thou- making a profi t whether small or great, sand hoards of gold. 13 Few perhaps are the of bargaining with traders, and of being days of the just man’s life but an honored strict with children, name endures forever. of severe corporal punishment for a servant who deserves it. True and false shame 6 14 With a prying wife or when many peo- 20:30- My children, keep my teaching and 31; ple are around, it is wise to make use of Mt 5: live in peace. Of what use is hidden wis- seal and lock! 14-16 dom and unseen treasure? 7 For deposits it is essential to reckon

15 SIR It is better for a man to hide his fool- by number and weight and keep a written ishness than to hide his wisdom. 16 record of what you give and receive. Therefore, feel shame according to what 8 Do not be ashamed of correcting some- I say. It is not always fi tting to feel shame, one who is foolish or stupid or an old man but this is not understood by everyone. 17 who has become childish. Be ashamed of licentiousness before Doing that, you prove that you are a your father and mother, and of a lie before well-educated person and you will be gen- a ruler or an important person. erally respected. 18 Be ashamed of criminal behavior be - 9 fore a judge, and of iniquity before an as- • A daughter causes her father hidden Dt 24:1 sembly of people. worries; anxiety on her account keeps him 19 Feel ashamed of dishonesty before awake: your partner or friend, and of a theft in the Is she young? She may not marry. Is she place where you live. married? She may be disliked;

• 42.9 Sirach’s original text, written in He - house.” Such advice is one more proof of the brew, was much longer in verse 9 and said: male domination in Hebrew culture which the “Her room should have no windows and she Greek translator did not dare show his read- should not be able to see the entrances to the ers who were more liberal-minded. However SIRACH 42 1170 10 Is she a virgin? She may be seduced 12 Do not be taken by human beauty and and become pregnant in her father’s house! do not sit down in the company of women; 13 Is she married? She may be unfaithful for just as a moth comes out of a gar- Ecl 7: or unable to have children! ment, woman’s wickedness comes out of 26-28 11 Your daughter is unruly? Watch her a woman. well, or she may make you a laughing- 14 Better a man’s wickedness than a stock to your enemies, the talk of the town wom an’s kindness; women bring shame and a public disgrace. and disgrace.

SECOND PART: GOD’S WISDOM IN HISTORY

24 Wonders of nature All things are in pairs, one opposite Ecl 3:1 15 Gen 1:3 • Now I shall remind you of the works the other, and nothing he makes is in any of the Lord and relate what I have seen. way defi cient. The Lord’s works depend on his word, 25 One thing emphasizes the excellence and creation obeys his will. of the other; who could ever weary of 16 The sun shines on everything and the admiring his glory? work of the Lord is fi lled with his glory. 1 17 The pride of the heights above is Ps Not even to his holy ones has the Lord 19:2-6 given full knowledge of all his marvelous 43 the clear fi rmament. How glorious is works. the spectacle of the heavens! 2 The Lord, Master of the universe, has When the sun rises and appears, it pro- Ps 8:4 ordained that all should stand fi rm in his claims: “I am your marvelous work, Most glory. High!” 18 He penetrates both the depth of the 3 At noon, it dries up the land; who can abyss and the human heart and knows bear its burning heat? their secrets. 4 You may stoke a furnace to produce For the Most High has full knowledge heat, but three times greater is the heat of and ordains the signs of the heavens. the sun burning the mountains, and send- 19 He knows the past and foretells the ing out fi ery vapors, blinding the eyes with future and reveals the traces of the world’s its rays. mysteries. 5 How great is the Lord who made it and 20 Ps 139:1 No thought escapes him, no word is whose word directs its rapid course! hidden from him. 6 He also made the moon, exact in 21 Ecl 3:14 He has ordered the marvelous works of marking the months and the passage of 7 his wisdom, from ever and for ever. Noth- time. With its full light gradually decreas- Gen ing can be added, nothing can be taken ing, the moon determines and rules over 1:14 away and he has no need of counsel. the feast days. 8 The month also takes its Ps 22 89:38; All his works are beautiful, even to the name from the moon. How marvelously 104:19 smallest spark of light. does it increase in its phases, providing a 23 All this lives and endures forever: all signal for the heavenly hosts, brightly shin- is useful and obedient to his will. ing in the expanse of the sky!

inspired the authors of the Scriptures were, God increasingly more diffi cult for us to experience did not miraculously free them from the limita- the mystery and the beauty of the universe. tions of their culture. God speaks to us through his creation as authentically as he does in the words of Christ. • 15. Modern civilization separates people The languages are different, in the same sense from nature. In their work, many people see that music tells us something in a way that is fl uorescent lights more often than they see the different from words. Those who know how to sun. Many do not know either the silence or see God in the universe are also able to discover the sounds of nature, because noise has invad- him in great human achievements: dams, elec- ed everything. However, as soon as we know tronic computers, buildings, new materials, etc. something about science, we think we know What emerges from human hands also belongs the mysteries of the universe. In our cities, it is to God’s creation. 1171 SIRACH 44 9 The bright radiance of the stars ac - 26 Thanks be to God, all turns out well and counts for the beauty of the sky. What a everything is held together by his word. brilliant ornament they are for the heights 27 We shall not give further examples; of the Lord! one last word: He is everything. 10 28 Bar 3:35 At the command of the All Holy they Where shall we fi nd the strength to stand as appointed and never fail to keep glorify him? For he is the Mighty One, watch. greater than all his works. 11 29 Ezk Look at the rainbow and praise the The Lord is awesome and sovereignly 1:28; Gen One who made it. How magnifi cent it is in great, and admirable in his power. 9:13 splendor! 30 Let your praise exalt the Lord as best 12 It forms a circle of glory in the sky, a you can, he is greater than you could even bow that is bent by the hands of its Maker. express. 13 Job At his order the snow falls and light- Honor him with all your strength and 38:22 ning strikes according to his decrees. do not tire, for you can never praise him 14 The storerooms of heaven are opened enough. and clouds fl y away like birds. 31 Who has seen him and can describe 15 It is his power that thickens the clouds, what he has seen? Who can glorify him as making them freeze and break into hail- he merits? stones. 32 Many mysteries greater than these 16a He has only to look and the moun- still remain, for we have only seen a frac- tains are shaken; 17 athe voice of his thun- tion of his works. der terrifi es the earth. 33 The Lord has created all things and to 16b At his will the south wind blows, the godly he has given wisdom. 17b as do cyclones and hurricanes from the north. In praise of ancestors 18 1 The snow fl utters down like birds and • Let us now glorify illustrious men, 1Mac 2: 51-64; alights on the ground like locusts. 44 the ancestors of our people. Heb 11 The eye marvels at the beauty of its white- 2 The Lord gave them great glory ac - ness and the mind is amazed to see it fall. cording to his own greatness from the 19 Ps He sprinkles frost on the earth like salt; beginning. 147:16 it freezes and becomes like thorny spikes. 3 Some ruled kingdoms and were re - 20 The cold north wind blows and turns nowned for their achievements, others the water into ice. were wise and able to counsel, or spoke Ice forms on all stagnant water giving it as prophets. a freezing coat of armor. 4 They led the people with their warn- 21 He wears down the mountains and ings or with their knowledge of the popular scorches the desert, withering the green writings. grass as if by fi re. 5 Some cultivated music and poetry, 22 A mist is a timely remedy, and dew 6 others were rich and powerful men living SIR after the heat restores it all to life. peacefully in their homes. 23 7 Ps 104:5 According to his plan he stilled the All were highly respected in their days great deep and planted islands in it. and honored by the people they lived 24 Those who cross the seas tell of its with. dangers, and we listen in astonishment to 8 The names of some lived on and peo- what they relate: ple still praise them today; 9 others are not 25 Ps It is all about strange and marvelous remembered and have disappeared as if 104:25; 107:23 adventures with marine animals and mon- they never existed. It is the same for their sters of all kinds. children.

• 44.1 After the hymn to God whose glory is and virtues will not be recorded after them. revealed through his creation, the author will pres- He knows that even if all the descendants of a ent to us God’s work in his chosen people, Israel. famous man disappear, as in the case of Moses, In his poem of praise of the ancestors, we the people of Israel hold on to the promises of have a glimpse of all the famous people of Isra- eternity. In this book there is still no sign of faith el: kings, liberators, prophets, sages, poets. The in a resurrection of persons (except possibly in author notes that there are many courageous 48:11 and all hope is fi xed on the future of the and just people who died and whose deeds chosen people). SIRACH 44 1172 10 But now consider the godly men whose who won the favor of everyone and was good deeds have not been forgotten. 11 Those loved by God and men—Moses. Blessed 2 who came after them benefi ted from the rich be his memory! The Lord gave him glory 8:8; legacy they left; 12 their race remained faith- equal to his holy angels and power that 10:18 ful to the Covenant, their children followed terrifi ed his enemies. 3 At Moses’ word he their example. 13 Their family will endure halted disaster; the Lord exalted him in the for ever and never will its glory be tarnished. presence of kings. He gave him command- 14 Their bodies were buried in peace but their ments for his people and let him glimpse memory lives through generations. 15 People something of his glory. will speak of their wisdom and the assembly 4 He chose him from among the liv- will celebrate their praise. ing to become holy by being faithful and 16 5 Gen Enoch pleased the Lord and was tak- humble. God let him hear his voice and 19:1; 5:24; 24:18 Heb 11:5 en up, calling future generations to repen- led him into darkness, where face to face tance. he gave him the commandments, the law 17 Gen 6:9; Noah was found to be perfectly just; of life and knowledge, to teach Jacob the 1P 3:20; 2P 2:5 at the time of divine anger he was the ran- Covenant and make his decrees known to som; through him a remnant was left on Israel. 18 Gen 9:9; earth after the fl ood. Eternal Covenants 6 He raised up Aaron, the brother of Mo- 8:21-22 were made with him to ensure that never ses, a holy man like Moses, of the tribe of again would life be destroyed by fl ood. Levi. 7 He made an eternal Covenant with him and conferred on him the priesthood Abraham, Isaac and Jacob of the people. • 19 No one has been found to equal He honored him by giving him majesty Abraham in glory, the great ancestor of and putting a glorious robe upon him. 8 His 20 Gen many nations. He was faithful to the Law vestments and ornaments were splendid 12:2; Rom 4:1; of the Most High who made a Covenant in their perfection—breeches, cloak and 9 4:13-18 with him, a Covenant that was marked ephod. As a fringe to his vestment he 28:42; 28:31- on his fl esh, and on the day he was tested gave him pomegranates and many golden 35 21 Gen he was found faithful. That is why God bells to tinkle as he walked and to be heard 17:10 promised by oath to bless all the nations in the temple as a reminder to his people. 10 through his descendants, that he would The Lord gave Aaron sacred vest- 28:2 make them as numerous as the dust of the ments of gold, blue and purple, the work earth and exalt his posterity like the stars. of artists, the pectoral of judgment, the He promised that their land would stretch Urim and Thummim, scarlet yarn spun by 11 from sea to sea, from the Euphrates to the a craftsman, precious stones with en- 28:36 Gen ends of the earth. gravings in a setting of gold, the work of a 22:18; 22 1Mac The Lord renewed his Covenant with jeweler, to serve as a memorial with their 2:52; Heb Isaac for the sake of his father, Abraham. graven inscriptions of the tribes of Israel. 11:17; 23 12 Acts 3:25; This Covenant and the blessing of human- He gave him the turban with a golden Gal 3:8-9 ity he made to rest on the head of Jacob. diadem engraved with the words of his He assured Jacob of his blessing, giving consecration, a superb ornament, expertly him the land that would be his and deter- crafted and a delight to the eyes. mining the portions to be shared among 13 Such things had never been seen the twelve tribes. be fore Aaron’s time; no outsider ever put them on or ever will, only his children and Moses, Aaron descendants. 1 From Jacob’s descendants the 14 His sacrifi ces were to be completely 45 Lord brought forth an upright man burned twice daily, in perpetuity.

• 19. In what follows, Ben Sira remembers In 48:11, as in Malachi 3:23, we fi nd the the most prominent people of sacred history. He Jewish belief that Elijah would return in the attributes to them according to the ideas of his days of the Messiah. For the Jews, Elijah was days. He was living in an age when priests had the man who raised the dead and who had the most important role and the entire life of the been preserved from death by God. Ben Sira Jews revolved around the temple. So, he gives hopes to regain life to see the happy days of the priority to the priests, to Aaron, Phinehas salvation. and Simon II, whom he had known personally. 1173 SIRACH 46

15 Lev 8:1 It was Moses who consecrated him successor of Moses. He lived up to his and anointed him with holy oil. It was name, proving himself to be a savior of for him an eternal Covenant and for his God’s chosen people, punishing the ene- descendants, for as long as the heavens mies that attacked them and leading Israel would last, to serve the Lord as his priests to claim their land. 16 Lev 16:1 and bless the people in his name. He 2 How magnifi cent to see him, arm raised chose him from among all the living to and with sword ready to attack the cities! offer sacrifi ce to the Lord and sweet smell- 3 Who before him had such staying ing incense as a memorial, to make atone- power? He was, indeed, Yahweh’s warrior. 4 ment for the people. Was it not he who held back the sun, mak- Jos 17 The Lord gave him authority to inter- ing one day as long as two? 5 He called on 10:13 pret his commandments and utter deci- the Most High when the enemy pressed on sions, to teach Jacob the divine words and every side, and the Mighty Lord responded 18 Num enlighten Israel with his law. Outsiders with hailstones of exceptional size. 6 He 16:1; 17:15 conspired against him and were jealous attacked the enemy nation and destroyed of him in the desert—Dathan, Abiram and the assailants at the pass of Beth-horan, so their followers and the supporters of Korah, that the nations might know the strength of all violent men full of hate. 19 The Lord saw Joshua and that they were fi ghting against it and was angry; in his wrath he destroyed the Lord. 7 them. He wrought wonders against them, Joshua was loyal and devoted to the Num consuming them in the fl ames of fi re. Almighty in the time of Moses, he and 14:6 20 Num 18: He increased Aaron’s glory by giv- Caleb, son of Jephunneh. They stood fi rm 12-13 ing him a heritage. He allotted to him against the assembly and tried to keep the fi rst fruits and to begin with, bread in them from sinning by silencing their wick- abundance. 21 For their food is the sacri- ed murmuring. fi ce offered to the Lord, which he gave to 8 Because of this, they were the only two Aaron and his descendants. spared out of six hundred thousand people 22 Num But he was to inherit no land as pat- on foot. And they took possession of their 18:20 rimony, no special portion was to be his inheritance in a land fl owing with milk and own, for the Lord himself is his portion and honey. 9 inheritance. The Lord gifted Caleb with strength; Jos this he enjoyed to the end of his days, and 14:10 Phinehas he went into the hill country that was given 23 Num As for Phinehas, son of Eleazar, he to his children in heritage. 10 With this, it 25:7 is the third in glory, for he was full of zeal was clear to all Israel that it is good to fol- in the fear of the Lord when he stood fi rm low the Lord. 11 After that, came the judg- among a rebellious people with noble cour- es. Although each of them won his own

age and made atonement for Israel. renown, all were men of faithful heart who SIR 24 Consequently, a Covenant of peace did not turn away from the Lord. Blessed be was concluded with him, making him the their memory! 12 May their bones spring to leader of the Sanctuary and of his people. life from the tomb and the names of these He and his descendants were to have the illustrious men live on in their children! dignity of high priesthood forever. 25 It is not like the Covenant established with David, Samuel 13 the son of Jesse, of the tribe of Judah, for Samuel was a prophet and beloved of 1S 10 1; the kingship passes only from father to the Lord. He established the kingdom and 16:13 one of his sons, but the heritage of Aaron anointed rulers to govern his people. passes to all his descendants. 14 He judged the assembly according to 26 May the Lord give them wisdom of the law of the Lord and the Lord protect- heart to judge his people with justice, so that ed Jacob. 15 He was accepted as prophet their prosperity may not dwindle and their because of his faithfulness, and proved glory may live on in their descendants! that his words were of a trustworthy seer. 16 He called on the Almighty Lord when 1S 7:9 Joshua and the judges the enemy pressed from all directions and 1 Joshua, son of Nun, was a valiant he offered a sucking lamb. 46 warrior and as a prophet he was the 17 Then, with a mighty roar, the Lord SIRACH 46 1174 thundered from heaven, 18 and destroyed 14 How wise you were in your youth, Sol- all the enemy’s leaders and the tyrants of omon!, as full of understanding as a river! Philistia. 15 Your spirit covered the earth, you fi lled it 19 16 1S 12:3 Before his time came for eternal rest, with proverbs and parables. Your reputa- 1K 10:1 Samuel called men to witness before the tion reached distant islands and you were Lord and his anointed: “I have not taken loved for your peace. 17 Your songs, prov- anyone’s belongings, not even his sandals,” erbs, parables and interpretation drew the and there was no one to accuse him. admiration of the world. 20 18 1S 28: Even after he died, he prophesied and In the name of the Lord God, called 6-25 revealed to the king his death. From the the God of Israel, you accumulated gold grave he spoke as a prophet to blot out the like tin and gathered silver like lead. wickedness of his people. 19 But you gave your body to women and be came the slave of your senses; 20 you David stained your reputation and defi led your des- 1 2S 7:2 After him the Lord raised Nathan cendants, bringing wrath and disaster upon 47 to prophesy in the time of David. your children because of your foolishness. 21 2 As fat is selected from the peace offer- So the nation was divided; from Eph- 1K 12 ing, so David was chosen from among the raim came a kingdom in revolt. Israelites. 22 But God’s mercy never fails nor does 3 He played with lions and bears as if he forget his promises; he did not deprive they were lambs or young goats. his chosen one of descendants nor destroy 4 1S He was still young when he slew a the race of the one he loved. So to Jacob 17:49 giant, to restore the honor of his people; he gave a remnant and allowed David’s with a sling he aimed a stone that killed family to survive. the arrogant Goliath. 23 Solomon rested with his forefathers 5 He invoked the Lord Most High, who and left one of his sons to rule after him, gave him strength to slay a mighty warrior, the most foolish of men and without intel- and so exalt the power of his people. ligence; this was Rehoboam who drove the 6 1S 18:7 So they glorifi ed him for his ten thou- people to rebellion. 24 sands and praised him as a blessing from As for Jeroboam, son of Nebat, it was 1K 12:26; the Lord when he was chosen king. he who caused Israel to sin and taught 2K 7 For he wiped out his enemies on all Ephraim the way of evil. 17:21 sides and annihilated his adversaries, the From then on their sins increased and Philistines, crushing their power forever. later brought about their exile, 25 for they 8 2S 23:1 In all that he did, he gave thanks to were intent on doing every sort of evil until the Most High, and showed his love for his vengeance fell on them. Maker by singing with all his heart. 9 He placed singers accompanied by Elijah and Elisha 1 harps before the altar to make beautiful Then came the prophet Elijah, like 1K 17:1 music; 10 he gave splendor to feasts and 48 a fi re, his words a burning torch. even greater magnifi cence to the more 2 He brought a famine on the people and solemn occasions, exalting the holy name in his zealous love had them reduced in of the Lord and having the Sanctuary ring number. 3 with his praises from early morning. Speaking in the name of the Lord he 1K 11 18:38 2S 7:1; The Lord forgave David’s sins and es- closed the heavens, and on three occa- 12:13; 24:25 tablished his power forever; he made a Cov- sions called down fi re. enant with him for the benefi t of the kings 4 How marvelous you were, Elijah, in your and gave him a glorious throne in Israel. wondrous deeds! Who could ever boast of 5 being your equal? By the word of the Most 1K Solomon High you brought a dead man back to 17:17 12 A wise son succeeded him and fared life; 6 you brought kings to destruction and well because of him. thrust famous men from their beds. 13 7 1K 5: Solomon reigned during times of You heard a rebuke at Sinai and sen- 17-18 peace, and God gave him rest from war to tences of punishment at Horeb; 8 you enable him to build a house for his name, anointed kings to be avengers and proph- a Sanctuary that would stand forever. ets to succeed you. 1175 SIRACH 49

9 2K 2:11 You were taken up by a whirlwind of would happen, until the end of time, and fl ames in a chariot drawn by fi ery horses. made hidden events known before they 10 Mal 3:24 It was written that you should be the occurred. one to calm God’s anger in the future, before it broke out in fury, to turn the hearts Other kings and prophets of fathers to their sons and to restore the 1 The memory of Josiah is like blend- tribes of Jacob. 49 ed incense carefully prepared by 11 Happy are those who will see you and the perfumer; it is like delicious honey to those who die in love, for we too shall live. every mouth, like music during a banquet. 12 2K 2:9 Such was Elijah, taken up in a whirl- 2 He followed the right way in convert- wind, and Elisha was fi lled with his spirit. ing the people and removing the horror of During his life no leader could shake idolatry. 3 He set his heart on the Lord and him, no one dominated him. 13 Nothing was succeeded in having godliness prevail over too diffi cult for him and even in death his wickedness. body prophesied. 14 In life he worked won- 4 With the exception of David, Hezekiah ders, in death his deeds were amazing. and Josiah, the kings were very sinful men. 15 Despite all this, the people were not They abandoned the Law of the Most High, converted and did not turn away from sin; bringing an end to the kings of Judah. not until they were deported far from their 5 They surrendered their power and their country and scattered over the earth. honor to foreign nations. 6 Their enemies 16 The people were greatly reduced in set fi re to the Holy City, making its streets 7 number but they still had a ruler from the desolate as Jeremiah had foretold. Jer 1:10 line of David. Some of them were upright 8 It was Ezekiel who saw the vision of Ezk people, others became sinful. 1—3; 2K glory when the Lord showed it to him 9—10 17 20:20; Hezekiah fortifi ed his city and brought 9 Is above the chariot of the cherubim. He also 22:11; water within its walls, tunneling the rock remembered Job, the one who always fol- 32:5 with iron tools to construct cisterns. lowed the way of justice. 18 2K During his reign Sennacherib began 10 18:13 As for the twelve prophets, may their his campaigns and sent off Rabshakeh, bones spring to life from the tomb, for they and insolent and arrogant as he was, he comforted the people of Jacob and saved raised his arm against Zion. them with confi dent hope. 19 Then their courage was shaken; their 11 Can we ever adequately praise Zerub- Hg 2:23 hands trembled; they felt anguish like 20 babel who was like a ring at the fi nger of women in labor. They stretched out their God, and 12 likewise Joshua, son of Joza- hands and called on the merciful Lord. dak? They were men who, in their days, From heaven the Holy One quickly built the temple to the Lord, a Sanctu- heard them and saved them by the hand ary destined for everlasting glory. 13 Last- of Isaiah. 21 The Lord struck the Assyrian ing too, is the memory of Nehemiah, who SIR camp and his angel wiped them out. 22 rebuilt our ruined walls, provided gates For Hezekiah did what was pleasing and bars and rebuilt our homes. to the Lord and was fi rm in following the 14 No one on earth was created to equal 44:16 ways of David, his father, as the great and Enoch for he was taken up from the earth. faithful prophet Isaiah ordered, a man of 15 And never was there a man like Jo seph, trustworthy vision. the greatest among his brothers, the leader 23 In his time, the sun went back and he of his people; his bones were honored. lengthened the life of the king. 24 16 Is 40:1 In the power of the spirit he foresaw • Shem and Seth were exalted among the last things and consoled the affl ict- men, but Adam’s glory was greater than ed people of Zion. 25 He revealed what any other living being.

• 49.16 Suddenly, before praising the high resents all sinful humanity, called to salvation. priest Simon, his contemporary, Ben Sira He is the fi rst human also, who bears in himself remembers origins. In the beginning, the fi rst the destiny of all the rest. In Romans 5:12-20, man. Surpassing the current ideas of the Jews Paul will speak of Christ as the New Adam. Of who, until then, did not look much further than him one can say: “Adam is above every living their own history, Ben Sira thinks about the fi rst being.” human, the father of all humanity. Adam rep- SIRACH 50 1176 Simon the priest his hand and poured out a libation of 1 The High Priest Simon, son of the juice of the grape at the foot of the 50 Onias, repaired the Sanctuary and altar, a pleasing aroma to the Most fortifi ed the temple during his lifetime. 2 High, King of the world. He laid the foundations for the high 16 Then the sons of Aaron shouted; Num double wall and for the fortifi cations sur- 10:2-10 rounding the temple. they blew their trumpets of solid sil- 3 In his days, a reservoir for water, a cis- ver, making a great noise as a memo- tern as great as a sea, was excavated. 4 rial before the Most High. Anxious lest his people might perish, 17 he fortifi ed the city against a siege. Then suddenly all the people bowed down with their faces to the 5 Lev • How magnifi cent he was, when, 16:13 ground and adored the Lord, the Al - surrounded by his people, he emerged mighty and most High God. from the inner Sanctuary 6 like the 18 The choir as well sang his prais- morning star amidst the clouds, like es, making beautiful music. 19 And the the full moon, 7 like the sun shining on people made supplication to the Most the temple of the Most High or a rain- High and prayed to their merciful Lord, bow in a glory of clouds! until the ceremony was over and the 8 He was like a rose in spring, a lily service of the Lord completed. 20 be side a stream, a green shoot on a The high priest then came down Num 6: summer day, 9 or incense burning in and raised his hands towards the 23-27 the censer. whole assembly of the people of Isra- He could be likened to a massive, el to give them in a loud voice the golden vase adorned with every kind blessing of the Lord and to have the of precious stone, 10 to an olive tree honor of pronouncing his name. heavy with fruit, or to a cypress rising 21 Then, for a second time, the peo- to the clouds, 11 when, robed in cere- ple bowed in worship to receive the monial garb, and in perfect splendor, blessing of the Most High: he went to the sacred altar, fi lling the 22 “And now, praise the Lord of the court of the Sanctuary with glory. universe, who everywhere, does great 12 There, he would receive from the things, who exalts our days from birth, hand of the priests the portions of the and is merciful to us. sacrifi ce, as he stood by the hearth of 23 May he give us happiness and the altar, encircled by his brethren, grant peace to Israel in our days and like a young cedar on Lebanon. forever! 13 It was as if he was surrounded by 24 May he continue to give us his palm trees when all the sons of Aaron, blessings and be a savior to us in our in their splendor, with the offerings to days.” the Lord in their hands, stood before the assembly of Israel. 25 There are two nations I greatly dislike, 26 14 When he had completed the ser- the third is not a nation: they are the inhab- itants of Mount Seir, the Philistines and the vice at the altar and presented with foolish people who live in Shechem. dignity the offering to the Almighty 27 Instruction in understanding and knowl- and Most High, 15 he took the cup in edge, that is what Jesus the son of Sira, the

• 50.5 Let us underline this lengthy portrait the sacred vestments, the music and the solemn of Simon, the high priest. Ben Sira, who car- ceremonies reveal something to him about the ried out responsibilities and knew life, feels no world of God which is splendor, happiness, cel- shame in expressing his great admiration for ebration and praise. the temple rituals. As for any Jewish believer, The last paragraph serves as the conclusion of 1177 SIRACH 51 son of Eleazar of Jerusalem, has written in mercy and your deeds from all eter- this book, as he poured out the wisdom of nity, knowing that you deliver those his heart. 28 Happy the one who pays attention to who hope in you and save them from this teaching and gains wisdom by taking the hands of their enemies. it to heart. 9 I sent up my prayer from the earth, 29 Doing that, he will be strong in all cir- begging to be delivered from death. cumstances, for the light of the Lord is his 10 I called on the Lord, the Father of path. my Lord: “Do not forsake me in the Prayer of Jesus, son of Sirach day of my affl iction, when I am help- 1 15:2 • I will give thanks to you, O less against arrogant enemies; I will 51 Lord and King; I praise you, praise your name continually and sing my God and Savior, I give thanks to to you my thanksgiving.” your name. 11 And my prayer was heard; you saved 2 For you are my protector and me from destruction and delivered me helper, you have delivered my body from an evil plight. from destruction, from the snare of 12 That is why I will give you thanks and praise and bless the name of the Lord. the wicked tongue and from lips that 13 In my youth, before I set out on my 34:9-12; speak lies. travels, I openly sought wisdom in prayer; Wis 8:2 In the presence of those who stood 14 before the temple I asked for her and I against me, you were my helper, my will pursue her to the end of my days. deliverer. 15 While she blossomed like a ripening 3 In the fullness of mercy and the cluster, my heart was delighted in her; my feet followed the right path, because from glory of your name, you delivered my youth I searched for her. me from the teeth of those ready to 16 As soon as I began listening to her devour me, from the hand of those she was given to me, and with her, much wanting to take my life, and from my instruction. many trials. 4 You rescued me from 17 With her help I made progress and I choking fi re on every side; you saved will glorify him who gives me wisdom, 18 for I decided to put it into practice and ardent- me from a fi re I had not kindled. ly seek what is good. I shall not regret it. 5 You delivered me from the depths of the netherworld, from an impure 19 My soul has struggled to possess tongue and lying words, 6 from vicious her. I have been attentive to observe slander reported to the king. I was near the law, and after my faults I have SIR to death, I was already at the gates of stretched out my hands to heaven the netherworld. and lamented my ignorance of her. 7 They surrounded me on every 20 My love of her increased and side with no one to help me. I looked I found her in repentance. It was for human comfort and there was through her from the beginning that I none. learned to possess my heart. She will 8 Then, Lord, I remembered your not forsake me.

this part of the book (Chaps. 44–50). Ben Sira his friends in the furnace, Joseph imprisoned, blesses his readers using the same words that Susanna, David. Simon addressed to the people on their knees. This is used for the feasts of martyrs in the liturgy of the Church. Their death (see Wis 3:1) • 51.1 This thanksgiving for liberation is a was liberation from evil. Like Jesus, martyrs did complement to the Book of Ben Sira. The list- not escape from evil and death, but they con- ing of the dangers from which God can free quered both, overcoming natural fear and for- people, recalls for us the heroes of the Old giving their enemies. Testament: Daniel in the lions’ den, Daniel and SIRACH 51 1178 21 With my whole being I sought her; instruction; it is very near and within that is why I won what is best. your reach. 27 22 In return for this, the Lord has See for yourselves: my toil has given me words to praise him. been slight and I found deep rest. 28 23 Be instructed, whatever the cost, Mt 13: Come near, you who are without 44-46 and you will gain what is better than understanding and join her school. gold. 24 Am 8:11 Why do you say you are deprived 29 Let your soul fi nd joy in the mercy of all this and that your souls are of the Lord, and do not be ashamed to thirsty? praise him. 25 This is what I say: Buy this with- 30 Do your work within the appoint- 26 Is 55:1; out money; put your neck under ed time, and the Lord in his time will Mt 11:29 her yoke and let your minds receive give you your reward.