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Wisdom of Jesus, Son of Sirach (view source)
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א שִׁיר הַשִּׁירִים, אֲשֶׁר לִשְׁלֹמֹה.
א שִׁיר הַשִּׁירִים, אֲשֶׁר לִשְׁלֹמֹה.
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The Wisdom of Ben Sira (Ecclesiasticus) contains the sayings of Ben Sira, arguably the last of Israel's wise men and its first scribe, whose world was defined and dominated by Greek ideas and ideals. This Hellenistic worldview challenged the adequacy of the religion passed down to Palestinian Jews of the second century B.C.E. by their ancestors. Ben Sira's training in both Judaic and Hellenistic literary traditions prepared him to meet this challenge. He vigorously opposed any compromise of Jewish values; and his teaching bolstered the faith and confidence of his people.[http://yalepress.yale.edu/yupbooks/book.asp?isbn=9780300139945]
The Wisdom of Ben Sira (Ecclesiasticus) contains the sayings of Ben Sira, arguably the last of Israel's wise men and its first scribe, whose world was defined and dominated by Greek ideas and ideals. This Hellenistic worldview challenged the adequacy of the religion passed down to Palestinian Jews of the second century B.C.E. by their ancestors. Ben Sira's training in both Judaic and Hellenistic literary traditions prepared him to meet this challenge. He vigorously opposed any compromise of Jewish values; and his teaching bolstered the faith and confidence of his people.[https://yalepress.yale.edu/yupbooks/book.asp?isbn=9780300139945]
==Sirach 0==
==Sirach Zero==
[1-14] Whereas many great teachings have been given to us through the law and the prophets and the others that followed them, on account of which we should praise Israel for instruction and wisdom; and since it is necessary not only that the readers themselves should acquire understanding but also that those who love learning should be able to help the outsiders by both speaking and writing, my grandfather Jesus, after devoting himself especially to the reading of the law and the prophets and the other books of our fathers, and after acquiring considerable proficiency in them, was himself also led to write something pertaining to instruction and wisdom, in order that, by becoming conversant with this also, those who love learning should make even greater progress in living according to the law.
[1-14] Whereas many great teachings have been given to us through the law and the prophets and the others that followed them, on account of which we should praise Israel for instruction and wisdom; and since it is necessary not only that the readers themselves should acquire understanding but also that those who love learning should be able to help the outsiders by both speaking and writing, my grandfather Jesus, after devoting himself especially to the reading of the law and the prophets and the other books of our fathers, and after acquiring considerable proficiency in them, was himself also led to write something pertaining to instruction and wisdom, in order that, by becoming conversant with this also, those who love learning should make even greater progress in living according to the law.
==Sirach 3==
==Sirach 3==
[1] Listen to me your father, O children;
[1] Listen to me your father, O children; and act accordingly, that you may be kept in safety. [2] For the Lord honored the father above the children, and he confirmed the right of the mother over her sons. [3] Whoever honors his father atones for sins, [4] and whoever glorifies his mother is like one who lays up treasure. [5] Whoever honors his father will be gladdened by his own children, and when he prays he will be heard. [6] Whoever glorifies his father will have long life, and whoever obeys the Lord will refresh his mother; [7] he will serve his parents as his masters. [8] Honor your father by word and deed, that a blessing from him may come upon you. [9] For a father's blessing strengthens the houses of the children, but a mother's curse uproots their foundations.
and act accordingly, that you may be kept in safety.
[2] For the Lord honored the father above the children,
[10] Do not glorify yourself by dishonoring your father, for your father's dishonor is no glory to you. [11] For a man's glory comes from honoring his father, and it is a disgrace for children not to respect their mother. [12] O son, help your father in his old age, and do not grieve him as long as he lives; [13] even if he is lacking in understanding, show forbearance; in all your strength do not despise him. [14] For kindness to a father will not be forgotten, and against your sins it will be credited to you; [15] in the day of your affliction it will be remembered in your favor; as frost in fair weather, your sins will melt away. [16] Whoever forsakes his father is like a blasphemer, and whoever angers his mother is cursed by the Lord.
and he confirmed the right of the mother over her sons.
[17] My son, perform your tasks in meekness; then you will be loved by those whom God accepts. [18] The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself; so you will find favor in the sight of the Lord. [20] For great is the might of the Lord; he is glorified by the humble. [21] Seek not what is too difficult for you, nor investigate what is beyond your power. [22] Reflect upon what has been assigned to you, for you do not need what is hidden. [23] Do not meddle in what is beyond your tasks, for matters too great for human understanding have been shown you. [24] For their hasty judgment has led many astray, and wrong opinion has caused their thoughts to slip.
[17] My son, perform your tasks in meekness;
then you will be loved by those whom God accepts.
[18] The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself;
so you will find favor in the sight of the Lord.
[20] For great is the might of the Lord;
he is glorified by the humble.
[21] Seek not what is too difficult for you,
nor investigate what is beyond your power.
[22] Reflect upon what has been assigned to you,
for you do not need what is hidden.
[23] Do not meddle in what is beyond your tasks,
for matters too great for human understanding
have been shown you.
[24] For their hasty judgment has led many astray,
and wrong opinion has caused their thoughts to slip.
[26] A stubborn mind will be afflicted at the end, and whoever loves danger will perish by it. [27] A stubborn mind will be burdened by troubles, and the sinner will heap sin upon sin. [28] The affliction of the proud has no healing, for a plant of wickedness has taken root in him. [29] The mind of the intelligent man will ponder a parable, and an attentive ear is the wise man's desire. [30] Water extinguishes a blazing fire: so almsgiving atones for sin. [31] Whoever requites favors gives thought to the future; at the moment of his falling he will find support.
==Sirach 4==
==Sirach 4==
[1] My son, deprive not the poor of his living,
[1] My son, deprive not the poor of his living, and do not keep needy eyes waiting. [2] Do not grieve the one who is hungry, nor anger a man in want. [3] Do not add to the troubles of an angry mind, nor delay your gift to a beggar. [4] Do not reject an afflicted suppliant,
and do not keep needy eyes waiting.
nor turn your face away from the poor. [5] Do not avert your eye from the needy, nor give a man occasion to curse you; [6] for if in bitterness of soul he calls down a curse upon you, his Creator will hear his prayer.
[2] Do not grieve the one who is hungry,
[7] Make yourself beloved in the congregation; bow your head low to a great man. [8] Incline your ear to the poor, and answer him peaceably and gently. [9] Deliver him who is wronged from the hand of the wrongdoer; and do not be fainthearted in judging a case.
[10] Be like a father to orphans, and instead of a husband to their mother; you will then be like a son of the Most High, and he will love you more than does your mother.
[3] Do not add to the troubles of an angry mind,
[11] Wisdom exalts her sons and gives help to those who seek her. [12] Whoever loves her loves life, and those who seek her early will be filled with joy. [13] Whoever holds her fast will obtain glory, and the Lord will bless the place she enters. [14] Those who serve her will minister to the Holy One; the Lord loves those who love her. [15] He who obeys her will judge the nations, and whoever gives heed to her will dwell secure. [16] If he has faith in her he will obtain her; and his descendants will remain in possession of her. [17] For at first she will walk with him on tortuous paths, she will bring fear and cowardice upon him, and will torment him by he discipline until she trusts him, and she will test him with her ordinances. [18] Then she will come straight back to him and gladden him, and will reveal her secrets to him. [19] If he goes astray she will forsake him, and hand him over to his ruin.
[4] Do not reject an afflicted suppliant,
[20] Observe the right time, and beware of evil; and do not bring shame on yourself. [21] For there is a shame which brings sin, and there is a shame which is glory and favor. [22] Do not show partiality, to your own harm, or deference, to your downfall. [23] Do not refrain from speaking at the crucial time, and do not hide your wisdom. [24] For wisdom is known through speech, and education through the words of the tongue. [25] Never speak against the truth, but be mindful of your ignorance. [26] Do not be ashamed to confess your sins, and do not try to stop the current of a river. [27] Do not subject yourself to a foolish fellow, nor show partiality to a ruler. [28] Strive even to death for the truth and the Lord God will fight for you.
[5] Do not avert your eye from the needy,
[29] Do not be reckless in your speech, or sluggish and remiss in your deeds. [30] Do not be like a lion in your home, nor be a faultfinder with your servants. [31] Let not your hand be extended to receive, but withdrawn when it is time to repay.
nor give a man occasion to curse you;
[6] for if in bitterness of soul he calls down a curse upon you,
==Sirach 5==
[1] Do not set your heart on your wealth, nor say, "I have enough." [2] Do not follow your inclination and strength, walking according to the desires of your heart. [3] Do not say, "Who will have power over me?" for the Lord will surely punish you.
[7] Make yourself beloved in the congregation;
[4] Do not say, "I sinned, and what happened to me?" for the Lord is slow to anger. [5] Do not be so confident of atonement that you add sin to sin. [6] Do not say, "His mercy is great, he will forgive the multitude of my sins," for both mercy and wrath are with him, and his anger rests on sinners. [7] Do not delay to turn to the Lord, nor postpone it from day to day; for suddenly the wrath of the Lord will go forth, and at the time of punishment you will perish.
[8] Incline your ear to the poor,
[8] Do not depend on dishonest wealth, for it will not benefit you in the day of calamity. [9] Do not winnow with every wind, nor follow every path: the double-tongued sinner does that. [10] Be steadfast in your understanding, and let your speech be consistent. [11] Be quick to hear, and be deliberate in answering. [12] If you have understanding, answer your neighbor; but if not, put your hand on your mouth.
and answer him peaceably and gently.
[13] Glory and dishonor come from speaking, and a man's tongue is his downfall.
[9] Deliver him who is wronged from the hand of the wrongdoer;
[14] Do not be called a slanderer, and do not lie in ambush with your tongue; for shame comes to the thief, and severe condemnation to the double-tongued. [15] In great and small matters do not act amiss,
and do not be fainthearted in judging a case.
==Sirach 6==
[1] and do not become an enemy instead of a friend; for a bad name incurs shame and reproach: so fares the double-tongued sinner.
==Sirach 6==
[1] and do not become an enemy instead of a friend;
for a bad name incurs shame and reproach:
so fares the double-tongued sinner.
[32] If you are willing, my son, you will be taught,
[2] Do not exalt yourself through your soul's counsel, lest your soul be torn in pieces like a bull. [3] You will devour your leaves and destroy your fruit, and will be left like a withered tree. [4] An evil soul will destroy him who has it, and make him the laughingstock of his enemies.
and if you apply yourself you will become clever.
[33] If you love to listen you will gain knowledge,
[5] A pleasant voice multiplies friends, and a gracious tongue multiplies courtesies. [6] Let those that are at peace with you be many, but let your advisers be one in a thousand. [7] When you gain a friend, gain him through testing, and do not trust him hastily. [8] For there is a friend who is such at his own convenience, but will not stand by you in your day of trouble. [9] And there is a friend who changes into an enemy, and will disclose a quarrel to your disgrace. [10] And there is a friend who is a table companion, but will not stand by you in your day of trouble. [11] In prosperity he will make himself your equal, and be bold with your servants; [12] but if you are brought low he will turn against you, and will hide himself from your presence. [13] Keep yourself far from your enemies, and be on guard toward your friends.
and if you incline your ear you will become wise.
[34] Stand in the assembly of the elders.
[14] A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter: he that has found one has found a treasure. [15] There is nothing so precious as a faithful friend,
and no scales can measure his excellence. [16] A faithful friend is an elixir of life; and those who fear the Lord will find him. [17] Whoever fears the Lord directs his friendship aright, for as he is, so is his neighbor also.
[35] Be ready to listen to every narrative,
[18] My son, from your youth up choose instruction, and until you are old you will keep finding wisdom. [19] Come to her like one who plows and sows, and wait for her good harvest. For in her service you will toil a little while, and soon you will eat of her produce.
and do not let wise proverbs escape you.
[20] She seems very harsh to the uninstructed; a weakling will not remain with her. [21] She will weigh him down like a heavy testing stone, and he will not be slow to cast her off. [22] For wisdom is like her name, and is not manifest to many.
[36] If you see an intelligent man, visit him early;
[23] Listen, my son, and accept my judgment; do not reject my counsel. [24] Put your feet into her fetters, and your neck into her collar. [25] Put your shoulder under her and carry her, and do not fret under her bonds. [26] Come to her with all your soul, and keep her ways with all your might. [27] Search out and seek, and she will become known to you; and when you get hold of her, do not let her go. [28] For at last you will find the rest she gives, and she will be changed into joy for you. [29] Then her fetters will become for you a strong protection, and her collar a glorious robe. [30] Her yoke is a golden ornament, and her bonds are a cord of blue. [31] You will wear her like a glorious robe, and put her on like a crown of gladness.
let your foot wear out his doorstep.
[37] Reflect on the statutes of the Lord,
[32] If you are willing, my son, you will be taught, and if you apply yourself you will become clever. [33] If you love to listen you will gain knowledge, and if you incline your ear you will become wise. [34] Stand in the assembly of the elders. Who is wise? Cleave to him. [35] Be ready to listen to every narrative, and do not let wise proverbs escape you. [36] If you see an intelligent man, visit him early; let your foot wear out his doorstep. [37] Reflect on the statutes of the Lord, and meditate at all times on his commandments. It is he who will give insight to your mind, and your desire for wisdom will be granted.
and meditate at all times on his commandments.
It is he who will give insight to your mind,
and your desire for wisdom will be granted.
==Sirach 7==
==Sirach 7==
[17] The gift of the Lord endures for those who are godly,
[17] The gift of the Lord endures for those who are godly,
and what he approves will have lasting success.
and what he approves will have lasting success.
[18] There is a man who is rich through his diligence
[18] <u>There is a man who is rich through his diligence
and self-denial,
and self-denial,
and this is the reward allotted to him:
and this is the reward allotted to him:
until he leaves them to others and dies.
until he leaves them to others and dies.
[20] Stand by your covenant and attend to it,
[20] Stand by your covenant and attend to it,
and grow old in your work.
and grow old in your work.</u>
[21] Do not wonder at the works of a sinner,
[21] Do not wonder at the works of a sinner,
==Sirach 28==
==Sirach 28==
[1] He that takes vengeance will suffer vengeance from the Lord,
[1] <u>He that takes vengeance will suffer vengeance from the Lord,
and he will firmly establish his sins.
and he will firmly establish his sins.
[2] Forgive your neighbor the wrong he has done,
[2] Forgive your neighbor the wrong he has done,
and yet seek for healing from the Lord?
and yet seek for healing from the Lord?
[4] Does he have no mercy toward a man like himself,
[4] Does he have no mercy toward a man like himself,
and yet pray for his own sins?
and yet pray for his own sins?</u>
[5] If he himself, being flesh, maintains wrath,
[5] If he himself, being flesh, maintains wrath,
who will make expiation for his sins?
who will make expiation for his sins?