Sirach
Chapter 7
Various Proverbs: Negative Series
Do no evil, and evil will not take hold of you.
Keep away from wrongdoing, and it will leave you alone.
Do not sow in the furrows of injustice for fear of reaping its harvest sevenfold.
Do not seek authority from the Lord or from the king for a position of honor.
Do not present yourself as a just man before the Lord or as a wise man before the king.
Do not seek a position of responsibility unless you are powerful enough to root out injustice; and, when a powerful man overawes you, you may lose your integrity.
Do not offend the city’s assembly; do not grovel before the people.
Do not commit the same sin twice; once is enough to bring punishment upon you.
Do not say, “When I sacrifice to God, the Most High will take into account the number of gifts and he will accept them.”
Pray with a strong spirit and do not neglect to give alms.
Do not despise a man when he is downcast, for there is one who casts down and who raises up.
Do not lie about your brother; likewise, do not lie about your friend.
Do not justify any kind of falsehood, for nothing good will come from it.
Do not gossip in front of the council of elders, nor keep repeating your words in prayer.
Do not hate hard work or the tilling of the land, which is established by the Most High.
Do not join the company of sinners, as the wrath of God will not be delayed.
Stay humble, because the godless are punished with fire and worms.
Do not sell your friend for money, nor a true brother for the gold of Ophir.
Do not turn away from a wise and good woman, for a gracious wife is worth more than gold.
Do not mistreat the servant who works honestly, nor the laborer who works diligently.
Love the intelligent slave as yourself, and do not deprive him of his freedom.
Positive Series
Do you have any cattle? Take care of them. If they are profitable to you, keep them.
Do you have children? Educate them and teach them to obey from a young age.
Do you have daughters? Protect their virginity and avoid being overly indulgent with them.
Marrying off your daughter is a significant achievement, but choose an intelligent man for her.
Do you have a wife who suits your taste? Don’t send her away. As for the one you dislike, trust her less.
Honor your father with your whole heart, and remember the suffering of your mother.
Remember that they gave you life. How can you repay them for what they have done for you?
Revere the Lord with all your heart and respect the priests.
Love your Creator with all your strength and do not abandon his ministers.
Fear the Lord and honor the priest. Give him the share that has been commanded: the first harvest, the sin-offering, the shoulders of the victims, the holy offerings, and the firstfruits of sacred things.
Extend your hand to the poor, and you will receive a blessing from the Lord.
May your gifts benefit the living, and do not forget the dead.
Do not turn away from those who weep, and mourn with those who are in sorrow.
Do not neglect to visit the sick, for it is through such acts that you will be loved.
In all your actions, remember your last end, and you will never sin.
Commentaries
Various Proverbs: Negative Series.
This collection of proverbs, which begins with a negation, encourages us to live a simple, straightforward life, as this reflects the life of the wise. We can highlight some ideas that emphasize this simple lifestyle: avoid evil and injustice (1-3); do not ask God for positions of honor (4-7); always rely on God’s patience and mercy (8f); avoid making others’ lives harder by troubling them or plotting violence against them (10-14); value work (15); trust in God’s response and security (17); maintain integrity in relationships with others, being transparent and loyal to friends, sensible women, and good servants (18-21).
Positive Series.
Ben Sirach urges us to cultivate genuine personal relationships with all parts of the world—relationships that truly support our growth. The motivation for this righteous conduct, besides fear and respect for God, is the idea of the “final destiny.” It’s likely that the concept of the “final judgment” was already beginning to take shape. However, some argue that it could also represent an “outcome” that is not necessarily eschatological but somewhat linked to the reputation or good name that persists after death.