Sirach 15:1-6
Chapter 15
1
Such is the one who fears the Lord; whoever embraces the law will gain wisdom.
2
She will come out to meet him like a mother and greet him like a virgin bride;
3
she will nourish him with the bread of understanding and give him the water of wisdom to drink.
4
He will rely on her and will not waver; he will lean on her and will not be let down.
5
Wisdom will make him greater than his friends, and he will be able to speak in the whole assembly.
6
He will be crowned with happiness and joy. He will inherit an everlasting name.
Commentaries
Wisdom.
This passage has two sections. The first (14:20-27) describes a careful man who seeks wisdom. The image shows a hunter who patiently spies, follows tracks, camps, and sets nets until he reaches his goal. This man is called happy, blessed (14:20); the second (15:1-10) explains the benefits of seeking and gaining wisdom. The first benefit is that one gains knowledge and the ability to follow the Law of the Lord; this is the foundation for understanding the fruits and benefits of wisdom. Using images of nourishment and food, wisdom, personified as a generous woman, offers bread and drink to those who seek her. This behavior of wisdom is only for those who truly search for her.