Today we begin our journey through the book of Sirach...
Today: Sirach 1
"Wisdom" is a recurring theme through the book of Sirach. In fact, Wisdom is really the central moral idea. Chapter 1 establishes some benchmarks for Wisdom. What is it? From where does it originate? How is it to be understood?
The first 8 verses (Sirach 1:1-8) initiate this discussion of Wisdom, stressing that true Wisdom (A) comes from the Lord, (B) remains with the Lord forever, (C) was created before all things, (D) only the Lord has seen the "root" of Wisdom, (E) and has been poured out by the Lord upon all of creation.
The next few verses (Sirach 9-18) discuss the fruits of fear of the Lord and respect for His wisdom, and expresses possession of this "fear of the Lord" as the starting point for man's Wisdom.
Verses 19-29 enter into the Proverbs-like Fatherly exhortations that I find so beautiful and for which I love the book of Sirach so much... enjoy:
We learn about cultivating wisdom by cultivating patience and self-control. Being true to our faith, and using it for God's greater glory - not our own - is the way to honor and peace. The alternative is to breed anger or to practice our faith in a way so as to exalt ourselves, which brings only dishonor and loss of Wisdom.
Today: Sirach 1"Wisdom" is a recurring theme through the book of Sirach. In fact, Wisdom is really the central moral idea. Chapter 1 establishes some benchmarks for Wisdom. What is it? From where does it originate? How is it to be understood?
The first 8 verses (Sirach 1:1-8) initiate this discussion of Wisdom, stressing that true Wisdom (A) comes from the Lord, (B) remains with the Lord forever, (C) was created before all things, (D) only the Lord has seen the "root" of Wisdom, (E) and has been poured out by the Lord upon all of creation.
The next few verses (Sirach 9-18) discuss the fruits of fear of the Lord and respect for His wisdom, and expresses possession of this "fear of the Lord" as the starting point for man's Wisdom.
Verses 19-29 enter into the Proverbs-like Fatherly exhortations that I find so beautiful and for which I love the book of Sirach so much... enjoy:
One cannot justify unjust anger; anger plunges a man to his downfall.
A patient man need stand firm but for a time, and then contentment comes back to him.
For a while he holds back his words, then the lips of many herald his wisdom.
Among wisdom's treasures is the paragon of prudence; but fear of the LORD is an abomination to the sinner.
If you desire wisdom, keep the commandments, and the LORD will bestow her upon you;
For fear of the LORD is wisdom and culture; loyal humility is his delight.
Be not faithless to the fear of the LORD, nor approach it with duplicity of heart.
Play not the hypocrite before men; over your lips keep watch.
Exalt not yourself lest you fall and bring upon you dishonor;
For then the LORD will reveal your secrets and publicly cast you down,
Because you approached the fear of the LORD with your heart full of guile.
(Sirach 1:19-29)
We learn about cultivating wisdom by cultivating patience and self-control. Being true to our faith, and using it for God's greater glory - not our own - is the way to honor and peace. The alternative is to breed anger or to practice our faith in a way so as to exalt ourselves, which brings only dishonor and loss of Wisdom.
Thus begins the book of Sirach.
