Sirach
Chapter 40
The Human Condition
Painful is the lot of all humans; a heavy yoke is upon the sons of Adam—from the day they leave their mother’s womb to the day they return to the mother of us all.
What occupies their mind and what they fear in their hearts is the day of their death.
From the king, glorious on his throne, robed in purple and wearing a crown,
to the humblest person sitting in dust and ashes, covered with sackcloth, there is anger, envy, trouble, unrest, fear of death, rivalry, and quarrels.
And at night when we lie down, we have fresh worries:
scarcely are we at rest and asleep when we are troubled by dreams as vivid as if it were day and we were fleeing from a battle.
When it is time to wake up, we feel surprised to find that there is nothing to fear.
This is the fate of every living creature, both man and beast; but for sinners, it is seven times worse,
in death, bloodshed, strife, sword, misfortune, famine, affliction, and calamity.
All of these were created for the wicked, and the flood was sent upon them because of their account.
Everything that comes from the earth returns to it, and what comes from the waters goes back to the sea.
All bribery and injustice will vanish, but good faith will endure forever.
Unjust riches will disappear like a stream that dries up; they will fall suddenly like a thunderclap in a storm.
A generous person has reason to rejoice, but sinners face their downfall.
The children of the ungodly will not have large families; they are like plants taking root on solid rock,
like reeds in water and along the riverbank, withering faster than other plants.
Kindness is like a garden of blessings, and charity lasts forever.
Better Than Both
Life is enjoyable for both independent individuals and self-reliant workers, but those who find a treasure are still better off.
The name of a man who has children or who has founded a town will live on, but discovering wisdom is a greater benefit. Owning cattle and plantations brings fame, but having a perfect wife is a richer blessing.
Wine and music lift the spirit, but even greater is the love of wisdom.
The flute and harp produce beautiful music, but even more appreciated is a pleasant voice.
Gracefulness and beauty please the eye, but not as much as the fresh growth of fields.
It’s always good for friends and companions to get together, even better for husbands and wives.
Brothers and protectors are helpful in tough times, but it’s even more valuable to be a giver of alms.
Gold and silver provide security, but good advice is more valuable.
Wealth and strength provide confidence, but good counsel is valued even more than either. You cannot experience a loss when you fear the Lord; with Him, you have all the support you need.
The fear of the Lord is like a garden of blessings; it covers a person better than any glory.
Living on Alms
My son, do not live like a beggar; it would be better to die than to beg.
When a man is always watching another’s table, it cannot be said that he is truly living, because he is corrupting himself with another’s food; an intelligent and educated man will avoid this.
What a shameless man begs for may taste sweet to his mouth, but his soul is burning inside.
Commentaries
The Human Condition.
We observe a rather bleak, pessimistic view of the human condition: fatigue, work, effort, struggle during the day, and, at night, a kind of torment when sleep arrives, along with an agonizing wait for death. The author highlights anguish and the futility of life. Only one thing gives him comfort: this anguish, this unease, is seven times worse for the sinner (8). Note that, despite everything, there is still no hint of the concept of eternal life. The author reflects a resigned acceptance that all this must be endured as God’s plan and will, ultimately returning to the womb of the mother of the living (1), the earth.
Better Than Both.
This is a rare numerical proverb in wisdom literature. It emphasizes the positive qualities and advantages of two things, then presents a superior alternative. It serves as another method for teaching and learning wisdom.
Living on Alms.
Whether or not to live on alms is, unfortunately, not entirely within an individual’s control. There may be exceptions, but generally, every man and woman aspires to earn the fruits of their labor. Being unable to do so is a consequence of an unjust society, marked by unfair distribution of resources and societal inequality. More shameful than those who beg for alms are the hoarders and the greedy—millions of beggars and homeless people roaming our cities. How long will this continue?