Sirach
Chapter 34
Dreams
The foolish are misled by vain and false hopes; dreams give them wings.
Relying on dreams is like grasping a shadow or chasing the wind.
What you see in dreams is only a reflection: a person sees his own image.
What pure thing can come from what is unclean? What truth can come from what is false?
Divinations, omens, and dreams are empty, like the fantasies of a woman in labor.
Unless they come as messengers of the Most High, ignore them.
For dreams have led many people astray. Those who trusted in them have fallen.
But the Law is different; it never fails and always comes true. Wisdom from God’s truthful lips is the highest truth.
Travels
Someone who has traveled extensively knows a lot, and a person with broad experience will speak wisely.
A person who has not faced trials knows very little, but a seasoned traveler is skilled in many ways.
I have made many discoveries during my travels and understand more than I can put into words.
I have often faced death but have been saved thanks to my experience.
Fear of God
The spirit of those who fear the Lord will live, because their hope is in the One who saves.
He who fears the Lord is not afraid of anything. He will not be cowardly because he puts his hope in him.
He who fears the Lord is a happy person. Who does he turn to? Who is his support?
The eyes of the Lord are on those who love him. For them, he is a powerful protector, a strong support, shelter against the scorching wind and the midday sun. He is a safeguard against stumbling and an assurance against falling.
He lifts up the soul and brings a sparkle to the eyes; He provides healing, life, and blessings.
Worship and Justice
An offering to God made from stolen goods is a tainted sacrifice; the sacrifices of the wicked do not please God.
The Most High takes no pleasure in the offerings of the godless. It is not the number of victims that earns forgiveness for sin.
Offering to God from what belongs to the poor is like slaughtering a son in the presence of his father.
Bread is life to the poor; he who takes it from them is a murderer.
He who deprives others of a livelihood kills them, and anyone who withholds a worker’s wages is guilty of blood.
If one builds up and another tears down, what do they gain besides trouble?
If one prays and another curses, whose voice will the Lord listen to?
If a man is cleansed after touching a corpse and then touches it again, what good was there in his cleansing?
If anyone fasts for his sins and then commits the same sins, who will hear his prayer? What value is there in his fasting?
Commentaries
Dreams.
Ben Sirach advises paying attention only to those that serve as warnings from the Most High (6). Still, because dreams are so complex and often impossible to interpret accurately, it’s better not to dwell on them—whether for good or bad—and certainly not to trust the many charlatans who exploit people’s naivety with ridiculous interpretations. It’s wiser to follow Ben Sirach’s own advice: to fulfill the Law without fail (8), since this requires at least sincerity and brings better results.
Travels.
Not only through traveling but also by reading and educating ourselves more each day, taking advantage of the many resources available today to learn about the world and human expression—our thoughts, ideals, projects, and dreams. This, aside from connecting us with the rest of humanity, also helps improve our relationships and “frees” us from many dangers, such as the loss of personal and cultural identity.
Fear of God.
Genuine fear or respect for the Lord is what leads to hope and trust in Him. Man’s position before God is not that of a rival; we are His children, and he is our Father, but above all, a Father who protects and does not abandon us.
Worship and Justice.
Ben Sirach explores these two linked concepts. A religion that is disconnected from justice is empty. It is striking how concern for justice here closely relates to the fifth commandment, which forbids killing; according to Ben Sirach, he who withholds bread from the poor is a murderer, and he who deprives them of their sustenance is shedding blood (34:21f). 35:1-10 emphasizes the positive side of religion practiced in a healthy social environment of justice and encourages believers and students of wisdom to do so consistently.