Sirach
Chapter 1
FOREWORD
1 The Law, the Prophets, and the other Writings, which came later, have passed down to us many great lessons, making it appropriate to praise Israel for its reputation in knowledge and wisdom.
2 But it would not be enough to keep these truths for our own instruction: those who love wisdom want to be helpful in what they say and write to those who are not so familiar with her teachings. 3 My grandfather, Jesus, who devoted himself constantly to reading the Law, the Prophets, and the later Writings of our ancestors and gained a thorough familiarity with them, began to write about their teachings and wisdom himself, so that those seeking knowledge could benefit from his writings and make even greater progress in living according to the law.
4 You are therefore invited to read this book with kindness and careful attention, and to show patience if, despite my diligent efforts in interpretation, I seem to have poorly conveyed the meaning. The Hebrew portions of this book, when translated into another language, lose some of their original strength. In fact, not only this book, but the Law itself, the Prophets, and the other Writings differ significantly from the original text.
5 When I traveled to Egypt in the thirty-eighth year of King Euergetes and settled there, I observed an example of this essential teaching. I deemed it very important to exercise great care and put in serious effort to translate this book. I have, therefore, devoted many sleepless nights and much study during this period to finish the book and publish it for the benefit of those who, although they live outside Palestine, wish to become lovers of wisdom and to align their way of life with the law.
FIRST PART
Wisdom and the Fear of God
All wisdom comes from the Lord and endures with him forever.
The grains of sand, the drops of rain, and the days of eternity, who can count them?
The height of heaven, the extent of the earth, and the depths of the abyss, who can measure them?
Wisdom was formed before everything, and prudent intellect existed before the beginning of time.
To whom was the source of Wisdom revealed? Who has known her secret designs?
…
One alone is wise and to be greatly feared—the One seated upon his throne.
The Lord himself created Wisdom. He looked at her and recognized her value.
He poured her out over all his works, upon all mortal beings, according to his goodness. He lavished her on those who love him.
The fear of the Lord is our glory and honor; it is joy and a triumphant crown.
The fear of the Lord delights the heart; it brings joy, happiness, and a long life.
For those who fear the Lord, everything will turn out well at the end of their lives, and they will be blessed on the day of their death.
The fear of the Lord is the start of wisdom; he placed wisdom in the hearts of his faithful before they were born.
Founded from eternity, she has made her home among people, and she will remain faithful to their descendants.
The fear of the Lord is the fullness of wisdom. It will fill you with its fruits.
It will fill your whole house with desirable things.It will fill your houses with its riches.
The fear of the Lord is the crown of wisdom.
Wherever it is, peace and good health flourish; knowledge and prudence rain down. Wisdom exalts those who possess her.
The fear of the Lord is the root of wisdom. Its branches are long-lived.
Wisdom and Patience
Unjust violence cannot be justified; it will ultimately destroy itself through its own excesses.
The patient man will endure until the appointed time, but eventually, joy will be granted to him.
He will watch his words until the right moment, and in the end, many will see his actual value.
Rich in wisdom, proverbs are treasures, but the sinner does not want to learn about God.
Do you seek wisdom? Keep the commandments, and the Lord will give it to you freely;
for the fear of the Lord is wisdom and learning. What pleases Him are faithfulness and gentleness.
Sincerity
Don’t set aside the fear of the Lord; approach him with a sincere heart.
Don’t be a hypocrite in front of others; watch your words carefully.
Do not praise yourself, or you might fall and dishonor yourself. The Lord will expose your secrets and turn you away in the midst of the assembly if you lack fear of the Lord and your heart is full of deceit.
Commentaries
Wisdom and the Fear of God.
The book starts by explaining the origin of wisdom and identifies the only sage person and the highest level of wisdom humans can achieve. Verses 11-21 develop the theme of the “path” to wisdom: reverence for the Lord, or the fear of God, which is repeated like a chorus throughout the poem. If true wisdom is the fear of the Lord, then this fear or respect is simply the humble and conscious acknowledgment that we are creatures and that God, being the only truly wise and omnipotent being, should be revered. Humans should not try to equal God, because doing so would lead to dehumanization, which has continued throughout history. Therefore, the true path to wisdom involves everything that promotes the authentic humanization of men and women.
Wisdom and Patience.
Controlling impulses is essential for those striving to be wise and prudent. Experience shows that impulsive responses rarely lead to good outcomes. The author emphasizes that patience and prompt action are linked to fulfilling the Lord’s commands.
Sincerity.
In every relationship, the most important thing is integrity. An authentic relationship with our neighbor allows us to have a genuine relationship with God. The author is convinced that God himself will publicly shame those who approach him with double intentions.