Sirach
Chapter 17
The Lord formed man from the earth and allowed him to return to it.
He gave them a limited number of days and granted them authority over everything on earth.
He created them in his own image, endowing them with a strength like his own.
He instilled fear of them in all living creatures, so they had dominion over the animals and birds.
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He endowed them with knowledge; he gave them a tongue, eyes, ears, and a mind to think with.
He filled them with wisdom and understanding; he taught them good and evil.
He placed his own eye in their hearts so they could appreciate the greatness of his works.
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They will praise his holy name and recount the splendor of his creation.
He also revealed to them the law of life and entrusted them with knowledge.
He established an everlasting covenant with them and made his judgments known.
Human eyes saw the splendor of God’s glory; their ears heard the magnificence of his voice.
He said to them, “Keep yourselves from all wrongdoing,” and each of them received commands concerning their neighbor.
God Rewards
Their behavior is always in the eyes of the Lord; they cannot hide from his sight.
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He has appointed leaders over every nation, but Israel is the Lord’s own inheritance.
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Their deeds are as clear as the sun to him; he always observes their ways.
He cannot hide their misdeeds; all their sins are visible to the Lord.
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He values a man’s almsgiving as a priceless signet ring; he treasures a good deed like the apple of his eye.
One day, he will rise and reward them; he will place their prize on their heads.
Repentance
He welcomes those who turn back; he comforts those whose hopes are dimming.
Be converted to the Lord and turn away from your sins, asking him to reduce your offenses.
Return to the Almighty, turn away from wrongdoing, and utterly detest evil.
Who in the grave will praise the Almighty if the living do not give him glory?
The dead man is as if he does not exist and cannot praise; only those with life and health can praise the Lord.
How incredible is the mercy of the Lord and his forgiveness for those who turn to him!
God Understands and Forgives
Man cannot have everything under his control since he is not immortal.
What is brighter than the sun? Yet it vanishes. Man is only flesh and blood, yet he considers doing evil.
While the sun surveys the stars in the lofty sky, human beings remain dust and ashes.
Commentaries
God the Creator.
Reflection on creation: stars, animals, plants, the first man, the first couple, the people—God made everything in order and harmony so that each would perform its role. Verse 14 sums up the entire Law and the commandments asked by the Lord: abstain from idolatry and follow the commandments concerning one’s neighbor.
God Rewards.
These verses highlight the marvels and harmony of creation, the special gifts God gave to humans, and their reactions to Him. Humans have not always responded with faithfulness and wisdom to God’s divine plan, but God is always willing to forgive and offer a new chance.
Repentance.
God does not ignore or abandon any of His sons and daughters who repent: He is merciful, and His forgiveness is excellent for those who return to Him. Repentance involves several things: abandoning sin, injustice, detesting idolatry, and pleading with the Lord. The purpose of repentance is to praise the Lord in this life because, according to Ben Sirah’s thinking, no one praises Him in the abyss.
God Understands and Forgives.
This insight by Ben Sirach, although seemingly obvious, remains essential: man is not like God; only God is great and without fault. In His power, everything was created, and everything is upheld in Him. In contrast, man is limited; his days are few, and at any moment, he can stumble and be lost entirely. God understands all this and therefore has no hesitation in welcoming and forgiving everyone who turns to Him. Now, can the same be said of man? Has man realized that he is not God?