Bible Verse Lookup
Sirach 6:24-28
Chapter 6
24
Put her constraints on your feet and her yoke around your neck.
25
Put your shoulder to the burden and carry her yoke; do not rebel against her chains.
26
Come to her with all your soul, and observe her ways with all your strength; observe her ways.
27
Pursue her, search for her; she will reveal herself to you. When you find her, do not let her go.
28
For, in the end, you will find rest in her, and she will become your joy.
Commentaries
Wisdom.
This passage can be divided into three sections, all of which share the theme of seeking wisdom. The first section (18-23) shows that developing wisdom from a young age leads to a sensible old age. The second section (24-31) describes wisdom as something to which one willingly submits to become freer each day; it is a gentle yoke and a light burden, similar to how Jesus of Nazareth presents His way of life (cf. Mt 11:30). The third section (32-37) encourages us to seek that wisdom among our elders, for they have already traveled a path filled with experiences and challenges they have overcome. However, we do not learn everything from the elderly; according to Ben Sirach, the wisdom gained from a wise elder must be complemented by study and ongoing reflection on the Law of God.