Ben Sira 1-20
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Foreword
Inasmuch as many and great truths have been given to us through the Law, the prophets, and the authors who followed them,[a] for which the instruction and wisdom of Israel merit praise, it is the duty of those who read the scriptures not only to become knowledgeable themselves but also to use their love of learning in speech and in writing to help others less familiar. So my grandfather Jesus, who had long devoted himself to the study of the law, the prophets, and the rest of the books of our ancestors, and had acquired great familiarity with them, was moved to write something himself regarding instruction and wisdom. He did this so that those who love learning might, by accepting what he had written, make even greater progress in living according to the Law.
You are invited therefore to read it with good will and attention, with indulgence for any failure on our part, despite earnest efforts, in the interpretation of particular passages. For words spoken originally in Hebrew do not have the same effect when they are translated into another language. That is true not only of this book but of the Law itself, the prophecies, and the rest of the books, which differ no little when they are read in the original.
I arrived in Egypt in the thirty-eighth year of the reign of King Euergetes, and while there, I had access to no little learning. I therefore considered it my duty to devote some diligence and industry to the translation of this book. During this time I applied my skill for many sleepless hours to complete the book and publish it for those living abroad who wish to acquire learning and are disposed to live their lives according to the Law.
The Wisdom of Ben Sira
Chapter 1
God’s Gift of Wisdom[b]
1 All wisdom[c] is from the Lord
and remains with him forever.(A)
2 The sands of the sea, the drops of rain,
the days of eternity—who can count them?
3 Heaven’s height, earth’s extent,
the abyss and wisdom—who can explore them?
4 Before all other things wisdom was created;
and prudent understanding, from eternity.[d]
6 The root of wisdom—to whom has it been revealed?
Her subtleties—who knows them?[e](B)
8 [f]There is but one, wise and truly awesome,
seated upon his throne—the Lord.
9 It is he who created her,
saw her and measured her,(C)
Poured her forth upon all his works,
10 upon every living thing according to his bounty,
lavished her upon those who love him.
Fear of the Lord Is Wisdom[g]
11 The fear of the Lord[h] is glory and exultation,
gladness and a festive crown.
12 The fear of the Lord rejoices the heart,
giving gladness, joy, and long life.[i]
13 Those who fear the Lord will be happy at the end,
even on the day of death they will be blessed.
14 The beginning of wisdom is to fear the Lord;
she is created with the faithful in the womb.(D)
15 With the godly she was created from of old,
and with their descendants she will keep faith.
16 The fullness of wisdom is to fear the Lord;
she inebriates them with her fruits.(E)
17 Their entire house she fills with choice foods,
their granaries with her produce.
18 The crown of wisdom is the fear of the Lord,
flowering with peace and perfect health.[j]
19 Knowledge and full understanding she rains down;
she heightens the glory of those who possess her.
20 The root of wisdom is to fear the Lord;
her branches are long life.
21 The fear of the Lord drives away sins;
where it abides it turns back all anger.
22 Unjust anger can never be justified;
anger pulls a person to utter ruin.
23 [k]Until the right time, the patient remain calm,
then cheerfulness comes back to them.
24 Until the right time they hold back their words;
then the lips of many will tell of their good sense.
25 Among wisdom’s treasures is the model for knowledge;
but godliness is an abomination to the sinner.
26 If you desire wisdom, keep the commandments,
and the Lord will bestow her upon you;
27 For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and discipline;
faithfulness and humility are his delight.
28 Do not disobey the fear of the Lord,[l]
do not approach it with duplicity of heart.(F)
29 Do not be a hypocrite before others;
over your lips keep watch.
30 Do not exalt yourself lest you fall
and bring dishonor upon yourself;
For then the Lord will reveal your secrets
and cast you down in the midst of the assembly.
Because you did not approach the fear of the Lord,
and your heart was full of deceit.
Chapter 2
Trust in God
1 My child, when you come to serve the Lord,[m]
prepare yourself for trials.(G)
2 Be sincere of heart and steadfast,
and do not be impetuous in time of adversity.
3 Cling to him, do not leave him,
that you may prosper in your last days.
4 Accept whatever happens to you;
in periods of humiliation be patient.
5 For in fire gold is tested,
and the chosen, in the crucible of humiliation.(H)
6 Trust in God, and he will help you;
make your ways straight and hope in him.
7 You that fear the Lord, wait for his mercy,
do not stray lest you fall.
8 You that fear the Lord, trust in him,
and your reward will not be lost.
9 You that fear the Lord, hope for good things,
for lasting joy and mercy.
10 Consider the generations long past and see:
has anyone trusted in the Lord and been disappointed?
Has anyone persevered in his fear and been forsaken?
has anyone called upon him and been ignored?(I)
11 For the Lord is compassionate and merciful;
forgives sins and saves in time of trouble.
12 Woe to timid hearts and drooping hands,[n]
to the sinner who walks a double path!
13 Woe to the faint of heart! For they do not trust,
and therefore have no shelter!
14 Woe to you that have lost hope!
what will you do at the Lord’s visitation?
15 Those who fear the Lord do not disobey his words;
those who love him keep his ways.(J)
16 Those who fear the Lord seek to please him;
those who love him are filled with his law.
17 Those who fear the Lord prepare their hearts
and humble themselves before him.
18 Let us fall into the hands of the Lord
and not into the hands of mortals,
For equal to his majesty is his mercy;
and equal to his name are his works.(K)
Chapter 3
Responsibilities to Parents[o]
1 Children, listen to me, your father;
act accordingly, that you may be safe.
2 For the Lord sets a father in honor over his children
and confirms a mother’s authority over her sons.
3 Those who honor their father atone for sins;
4 they store up riches who respect their mother.
5 Those who honor their father will have joy in their own children,
and when they pray they are heard.
6 Those who respect their father will live a long life;
those who obey the Lord honor their mother.
7 Those who fear the Lord honor their father,
and serve their parents as masters.
8 In word and deed honor your father,
that all blessings may come to you.(L)
9 A father’s blessing gives a person firm roots,
but a mother’s curse uproots the growing plant.(M)
10 Do not glory in your father’s disgrace,
for that is no glory to you!
11 A father’s glory is glory also for oneself;
they multiply sin who demean their mother.(N)
12 My son, be steadfast in honoring your father;
do not grieve him as long as he lives.(O)
13 Even if his mind fails, be considerate of him;
do not revile him because you are in your prime.
14 Kindness to a father will not be forgotten;
it will serve as a sin offering—it will take lasting root.
15 In time of trouble it will be recalled to your advantage,
like warmth upon frost it will melt away your sins.
16 Those who neglect their father are like blasphemers;
those who provoke their mother are accursed by their Creator.(P)
Humility[p]
17 My son, conduct your affairs with humility,
and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts.
18 Humble yourself the more, the greater you are,
and you will find mercy in the sight of God.[q](Q)
20 For great is the power of the Lord;
by the humble he is glorified.
21 What is too sublime for you, do not seek;
do not reach into things that are hidden from you.(R)
22 What is committed to you, pay heed to;
what is hidden is not your concern.
23 In matters that are beyond you do not meddle,
when you have been shown more than you can understand.
24 Indeed, many are the conceits of human beings;
evil imaginations lead them astray.
Docility[r]
25 Without the pupil of the eye, light is missing;
without knowledge, wisdom is missing.
26 A stubborn heart will fare badly in the end;
those who love danger will perish in it.
27 A stubborn heart will have many a hurt;
adding sin to sin is madness.
28 When the proud are afflicted, there is no cure;
for they are offshoots of an evil plant.(S)
29 The mind of the wise appreciates proverbs,
and the ear that listens to wisdom rejoices.
Alms for the Poor
30 As water quenches a flaming fire,
so almsgiving atones for sins.(T)
31 The kindness people have done crosses their paths later on;
should they stumble, they will find support.
Chapter 4
1 My child, do not mock the life of the poor;
do not keep needy eyes[s] waiting.(U)
2 Do not grieve the hungry,
nor anger the needy.
3 Do not aggravate a heart already angry,
nor delay giving to the needy.
4 A beggar’s request do not reject;
do not turn your face away from the poor.
5 From the needy do not turn your eyes;
do not give them reason to curse you.
6 If in their pain they cry out bitterly,
their Rock will hear the sound of their cry.
Social Conduct
7 Endear yourself to the assembly;
before the city’s ruler bow your head.
8 Give a hearing to the poor,
and return their greeting with deference;
9 Deliver the oppressed from their oppressors;(V)
right judgment should not be repugnant to you.
10 Be like a father to orphans,
and take the place of a husband to widows.
Then God will call you his child,
and he will be merciful to you and deliver you from the pit.
The Rewards of Wisdom[t]
11 Wisdom teaches her children
and admonishes all who can understand her.
12 Those who love her love life;
those who seek her out win the Lord’s favor.
13 Those who hold her fast will attain glory,
and they shall abide in the blessing of the Lord.
14 Those who serve her serve the Holy One;
those who love her the Lord loves.(W)
15 “Whoever obeys me will judge nations;
whoever listens to me will dwell in my inmost chambers.
16 If they remain faithful, they will possess me;
their descendants too will inherit me.
17 “I will walk with them in disguise,
and at first I will test them with trials.
Fear and dread I will bring upon them
and I will discipline them with my constraints.
When their hearts are fully with me,
18 then I will set them again on the straight path
and reveal my secrets to them.
19 But if they turn away from me, I will abandon them
and deliver them over to robbers.”
Sincerity and Justice[u]
20 My son, watch for the right time; fear what is evil;
do not bring shame upon yourself.
21 There is a shame heavy with guilt,
and a shame that brings glory and respect.
22 Show no favoritism to your own discredit;
let no one intimidate you to your own downfall.
23 Do not refrain from speaking at the proper time,
and do not hide your wisdom;
24 For wisdom becomes known through speech,
and knowledge through the tongue’s response.
25 Never speak against the truth,
but of your own ignorance be ashamed.
26 Do not be ashamed to acknowledge your sins,
and do not struggle against a rushing stream.
27 Do not abase yourself before a fool;
do not refuse to do so before rulers.
28 Even to the death, fight for what is right,
and the Lord will do battle for you.
29 Do not be haughty in your speech,
or lazy and slack in your deeds.
30 Do not be like a lion at home,
or sly and suspicious with your servants.
31 Do not let your hand be open to receive,
but clenched when it is time to give.
Chapter 5
Against Presumption[v]
1 Do not rely on your wealth,
or say, “I have the power.”(X)
2 Do not rely on your strength
in following the desires of your heart.
3 Do not say, “Who can prevail against me?”
for the Lord will exact punishment.
4 Do not say, “I have sinned, yet what has happened to me?”
for the Lord is slow to anger!
5 Do not be so confident of forgiveness
that you add sin upon sin.
6 Do not say, “His mercy is great;
my many sins he will forgive.”
For mercy and anger alike are with him;
his wrath comes to rest on the wicked.
7 Do not delay turning back to the Lord,
do not put it off day after day.
For suddenly his wrath will come forth;
at the time of vengeance, you will perish.
8 Do not rely on deceitful wealth,
for it will be no help on the day of wrath.(Y)
Use and Abuse of the Tongue[w]
9 Do not winnow in every wind,
nor walk in every path.[x]
10 Be steadfast regarding your knowledge,
and let your speech be consistent.
11 Be swift to hear,
but slow to answer.(Z)
12 If you can, answer your neighbor;
if not, place your hand over your mouth!
13 Honor and dishonor through speaking!
The tongue can be your downfall.
14 Do not be called double-tongued;
and with your tongue do not slander a neighbor.
For shame has been created for the thief,
and sore disgrace for the double-tongued.
15 In little or in much, do not act corruptly;
Chapter 6
1 Do not be a foe instead of a friend.
A bad name, disgrace, and dishonor you will inherit.
Thus the wicked, the double-tongued![y]
Unruly Passions
2 Do not fall into the grip of your passion,(AA)
lest like fire it consume your strength.
3 It will eat your leaves and destroy your fruits,
and you will be left like a dry tree.
4 For fierce passion destroys its owner
and makes him the sport of his enemies.
True Friendship[z]
5 Pleasant speech multiplies friends,
and gracious lips, friendly greetings.
6 Let those who are friendly to you be many,
but one in a thousand your confidant.
7 When you gain friends, gain them through testing,(AB)
and do not be quick to trust them.
8 For there are friends when it suits them,
but they will not be around in time of trouble.
9 Another is a friend who turns into an enemy,
and tells of the quarrel to your disgrace.
10 Others are friends, table companions,
but they cannot be found in time of affliction.
11 When things go well, they are your other self,
and lord it over your servants.
12 If disaster comes upon you, they turn against you
and hide themselves.
13 Stay away from your enemies,
and be on guard with your friends.
14 Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter;
whoever finds one finds a treasure.
15 Faithful friends are beyond price,
no amount can balance their worth.
16 Faithful friends are life-saving medicine;
those who fear God will find them.
17 Those who fear the Lord enjoy stable friendship,
for as they are, so will their neighbors be.
Blessings of Wisdom[aa]
18 My child, from your youth choose discipline;
and when you have gray hair you will find wisdom.
19 As though plowing and sowing, draw close to her;
then wait for her bountiful crops.
For in cultivating her you will work but little,
and soon you will eat her fruit.
20 She is rough ground to the fool!
The stupid cannot abide her.
21 She will be like a burdensome stone to them,
and they will not delay in casting her aside.
22 For discipline[ab] is like her name,
she is not accessible to many.
23 Listen, my child, and take my advice;
do not refuse my counsel.
24 Put your feet into her fetters,
and your neck under her yoke.
25 Bend your shoulders and carry her
and do not be irked at her bonds.
26 With all your soul draw close to her;
and with all your strength keep her ways.
27 Inquire and search, seek and find;
when you get hold of her, do not let her go.
28 Thus at last you will find rest in her,
and she will become your joy.
29 Her fetters will be a place of strength;
her snare, a robe of spun gold.
30 Her yoke will be a gold ornament;(AC)
her bonds, a purple cord.
31 You will wear her as a robe of glory,
and bear her as a splendid crown.
32 If you wish, my son, you can be wise;
if you apply yourself, you can be shrewd.
33 If you are willing to listen, you can learn;
if you pay attention, you can be instructed.
34 Stand in the company of the elders;
stay close to whoever is wise.
35 Be eager to hear every discourse;
let no insightful saying escape you.(AD)
36 If you see the intelligent, seek them out;
let your feet wear away their doorsteps!
37 Reflect on the law of the Most High,
and let his commandments be your constant study.
Then he will enlighten your mind,
and make you wise as you desire.(AE)
Chapter 7
Conduct Toward God and Neighbor[ac]
1 Do no evil, and evil will not overtake you;[ad]
2 avoid wickedness, and it will turn away from you.
3 Do not sow in the furrows of injustice,
lest you harvest it sevenfold.(AF)
4 Do not seek from God authority
or from the king a place of honor.
5 Do not parade your righteousness before the Lord,
and before the king do not flaunt your wisdom.(AG)
6 Do not seek to become a judge
if you do not have the strength to root out crime,
Lest you show fear in the presence of the prominent
and mar your integrity.
7 Do not be guilty of any evil before the city court
or disgrace yourself before the assembly.
8 Do not plot to repeat a sin;
even for one, you will not go unpunished.
9 Do not say, “He will appreciate my many gifts;
the Most High God will accept my offerings.”(AH)
10 Do not be impatient in prayer
or neglect almsgiving.
11 Do not ridicule the embittered;
Remember: there is One who exalts and humbles.[ae]
12 Do not plot mischief against your relative
or against your friend and companion.
13 Refuse to tell lie after lie,
for it never results in good.
14 Do not babble in the assembly of the elders
or repeat the words of your prayer.[af](AI)
15 Do not hate hard work;
work was assigned by God.(AJ)
16 Do not esteem yourself more than your compatriots;
remember, his wrath will not delay.
17 More and more, humble your pride;
what awaits mortals is worms.[ag](AK)
Duties of Family Life, Religion and Charity[ah]
18 Do not barter a friend for money,
or a true brother for the gold of Ophir.[ai]
19 Do not reject a sensible wife;
a gracious wife is more precious than pearls.
20 Do not mistreat a servant who works faithfully,
or laborers who devote themselves to their task.(AL)
21 Love wise servants as yourself;
do not refuse them freedom.[aj]
22 Do you have livestock? Look after them;
if they are dependable, keep them.
23 Do you have sons? Correct them
and cure their stubbornness[ak] in their early youth.(AM)
24 Do you have daughters? Keep them chaste,
and do not be indulgent to them.(AN)
25 Give your daughter in marriage, and a worry comes to an end;
but give her to a sensible man.
26 Do you have a wife? Do not mistreat her,
but do not trust the wife you hate.
27 With your whole heart honor your father;
your mother’s birth pangs do not forget.(AO)
28 Remember, of these parents you were born;
what can you give them for all they gave you?
29 With all your soul fear God
and revere his priests.
30 With all your strength love your Maker
and do not neglect his ministers.
31 Honor God and respect the priest;
give him his portion as you have been commanded:(AP)
First fruits and contributions,
his portion of victims and holy offerings.[al]
32 To the poor also extend your hand,
that your blessing may be complete.
33 Give your gift to all the living,
and do not withhold your kindness from the dead.[am]
34 Do not avoid those who weep,
but mourn with those who mourn.(AQ)
35 Do not hesitate to visit the sick,
because for such things you will be loved.(AR)
36 In whatever you do, remember your last days,
and you will never sin.[an]
Chapter 8
Prudence in Dealing with Others[ao]
1 Do not contend with the mighty,
lest you fall into their power.
2 Do not quarrel with the rich,
lest they pay out the price of your downfall.
For gold has unsettled many,
and wealth perverts the character of princes.(AS)
3 Do not quarrel with loud-mouths,
or heap wood upon their fire.[ap](AT)
4 Do not associate with the senseless,
lest your ancestors be insulted.
5 Do not reproach one who turns away from sin;(AU)
remember, we all are guilty.[aq]
6 Do not insult one who is old,
for some of us will also grow old.
7 Do not rejoice when someone dies;
remember, we are all to be gathered in.
8 Do not neglect the discourse of the wise,(AV)
but busy yourself with their proverbs;
For in this way you will acquire the training
to stand in the presence of princes.
9 Do not reject the tradition of the elders
which they have heard from their ancestors;
For from it you will learn
how to answer when the need arises.
10 Do not kindle the coals of sinners,
lest you be burned in their flaming fire.
11 Do not give ground before scoundrels;
it will set them in ambush against you.[ar]
12 Do not lend to one more powerful than yourself;
or if you lend, count it as lost.(AW)
13 Do not give collateral beyond your means;
consider any collateral a debt you must pay.
14 Do not go to court against a judge,
for the case will be settled in his favor.
15 Do not travel with the ruthless
lest they weigh you down with calamity;
For they will only go their own way,
and through their folly you will also perish.
16 Do not defy the quick-tempered,
or ride with them through the desert.
For bloodshed is nothing to them;
when there is no one to help, they will destroy you.
17 Do not take counsel with simpletons,
for they cannot keep a confidence.
18 Before a stranger do nothing that should be kept secret,
for you do not know what it will produce later on.[as](AX)
19 Open your heart to no one,
do not banish your happiness.
Chapter 9
Advice Concerning Women[at]
1 Do not be jealous of the wife of your bosom,
lest you teach her to do evil against you.[au]
2 Do not give a woman power over you
to trample on your dignity.(AY)
3 Do not go near a strange woman,
lest you fall into her snares.
4 Do not dally with a singer,
lest you be captivated by her charms.
5 Do not entertain any thoughts about a virgin,
lest you be enmeshed in damages for her.[av]
6 Do not give yourself to a prostitute
lest you lose your inheritance.(AZ)
7 Do not look around the streets of the city
or wander through its squares.
8 Avert your eyes from a shapely woman;
do not gaze upon beauty that is not yours;
Through woman’s beauty many have been ruined,
for love of it burns like fire.(BA)
9 Never recline at table with a married woman,
or drink intoxicants with her,
Lest your heart be drawn to her
and you go down in blood[aw] to the grave.
Choice of Friends[ax]
10 Do not abandon old friends;
new ones cannot equal them.
A new friend is like new wine—
when it has aged, you drink it with pleasure.
11 Do not envy the wicked
for you do not know when their day will come.
12 Do not delight in the pleasures of the ungodly;
remember, they will not die unpunished.
13 Keep away from those who have power to kill,
and you will not be filled with the dread of death.
But if you come near them, do not offend them,
lest they take away your life.
Know that you are stepping among snares
and walking over a net.
14 As best you can, answer your neighbor,
and associate with the wise.
15 With the learned exchange ideas;
and let all your conversation be about the law of the Most High.
16 Take the righteous for your table companions;
and let your glory be in the fear of God.
Concerning Rulers[ay]
17 Work by skilled hands will earn praise;
but the people’s leader is proved wise by his words.
18 Loud mouths are feared in their city,
and whoever is reckless in speech is hated.
Chapter 10
1 A wise magistrate gives stability to his people,
and government by the intelligent is well ordered.(BB)
2 As the people’s judge, so the officials;(BC)
as the head of a city, so the inhabitants.
3 A reckless king destroys his people,
but a city grows through the intelligence of its princes.(BD)
4 Sovereignty over the earth is in the hand of God,
who appoints the right person for the right time.
5 Sovereignty over everyone is in the hand of God,
who imparts his majesty to the ruler.
The Sin of Pride
6 No matter what the wrong, never harm your neighbor
or go the way of arrogance.(BE)
7 Odious to the Lord and to mortals is pride,
and for both oppression is a crime.
8 Sovereignty is transferred from one people to another
because of the lawlessness of the proud.
9 Why are dust and ashes proud?[az]
Even during life the body decays.
10 A slight illness—the doctor jests;
a king today—tomorrow he is dead.
11 When a people die,
they inherit corruption and worms, gnats and maggots.(BF)
12 The beginning of pride is stubbornness
in withdrawing the heart from one’s Maker.
13 For sin is a reservoir of insolence,
a source which runs over with vice;
Because of it God sends unheard-of afflictions
and strikes people with utter ruin.(BG)
14 God overturns the thrones of the proud
and enthrones the lowly in their place.
15 God plucks up the roots of the proud,
and plants the lowly in their place.
16 The Lord lays waste the lands of the nations,
and destroys them to the very foundations of the earth.
17 He removes them from the earth, destroying them,
erasing their memory from the world.
18 Insolence does not befit mortals,
nor impudent anger those born of women.
True Glory[ba]
19 Whose offspring can be honorable? Human offspring.
Those who fear the Lord are honorable offspring.
Whose offspring can be disgraceful? Human offspring.
Those who transgress the commandment are disgraceful offspring.
20 Among relatives their leader is honored;
but whoever fears God is honored among God’s people.[bb]
22 Resident alien, stranger, foreigner, pauper—
their glory is the fear of the Lord.
23 It is not right to despise anyone wise but poor,
nor proper to honor the lawless.(BH)
24 The prince, the ruler, the judge are in honor;
but none is greater than the one who fears God.
25 When the free serve a wise slave,
the wise will not complain.(BI)
26 Do not flaunt your wisdom in managing your affairs,
or boast in your time of need.
27 Better the worker who has goods in plenty
than the boaster who has no food.(BJ)
28 My son, with humility have self-esteem;
and give yourself the esteem you deserve.
29 Who will acquit those who condemn themselves?
Who will honor those who disgrace themselves?
30 The poor are honored for their wisdom;
the rich are honored for their wealth.
31 Honored in poverty, how much more so in wealth!
Disgraced in wealth, in poverty how much the more!
Chapter 11
1 The wisdom of the poor lifts their head high
and sets them among princes.
2 Do not praise anyone for good looks;
or despise anyone because of appearance.
3 The bee is least among winged creatures,
but it reaps the choicest of harvests.
4 Do not mock the one who wears only a loin-cloth,
or scoff at a person’s bitter day.
For strange are the deeds of the Lord,
hidden from mortals his work.[bc]
5 Many are the oppressed who rise to the throne;
some that none would consider wear a crown.[bd]
6 Many are the exalted who fall into utter disgrace,
many the honored who are given into the power of the few.
Moderation and Patience[be]
7 Before investigating, do not find fault;
examine first, then criticize.
8 Before listening, do not say a word,
interrupt no one in the midst of speaking.(BK)
9 Do not dispute about what is not your concern;
in the quarrels of the arrogant do not take part.
10 My son, why increase your anxiety,
since whoever is greedy for wealth will not be blameless?
Even if you chase after it, you will never overtake it;
and by fleeing you will not escape.
11 One may work and struggle and drive,
and fall short all the same.(BL)
12 Others go their way broken-down drifters,
with little strength and great misery—
Yet the eye of the Lord looks favorably upon them,
shaking them free of the stinking mire.
13 He lifts up their heads and exalts them
to the amazement of the many.
14 [bf]Good and evil, life and death,(BM)
poverty and riches—all are from the Lord.[bg]
17 The Lord’s gift remains with the devout;
his favor brings lasting success.
18 Some become rich through a miser’s life,
and this is their allotted reward:
19 When they say: “I have found rest,(BN)
now I will feast on my goods,”
They do not know how long it will be
till they die and leave them to others.[bh]
20 My child, stand by your agreement and attend to it,
grow old while doing your work.
21 Do not marvel at the works of a sinner,
but trust in the Lord and wait for his light;
For it is easy in the eyes of the Lord
suddenly, in an instant, to make the poor rich.
22 God’s blessing is the lot of the righteous,
and in due time their hope bears fruit.
23 Do not say: “What do I need?
What further benefits can be mine?”
24 Do not say: “I am self-sufficient.
What harm can come to me now?”
25 The day of prosperity makes one forget adversity;
the day of adversity makes one forget prosperity.(BO)
26 For it is easy for the Lord on the day of death[bi]
to repay mortals according to their conduct.
27 A time of affliction brings forgetfulness of past delights;
at the end of life one’s deeds are revealed.
28 Call none happy before death,
for how they end, they are known.
Care in Choosing Friends
29 Not everyone should be brought into your house,
for many are the snares of the crafty.
30 Like a decoy partridge in a cage, so is the heart of the proud,
and like a spy they will pick out the weak spots.
31 For they lie in wait to turn good into evil,
and to praiseworthy deeds they attach blame.
32 One spark kindles many coals;
a sinner lies in wait for blood.
33 Beware of scoundrels, for they breed only evil,
and they may give you a lasting stain.
34 Admit strangers into your home, and they will stir up trouble
and make you a stranger to your own family.
Chapter 12
1 If you do good, know for whom you are doing it,[bj]
and your kindness will have its effect.
2 Do good to the righteous and reward will be yours,
if not from them, from the Lord.(BP)
3 No good comes to those who give comfort to the wicked,
nor is it an act of mercy that they do.
4 Give to the good but refuse the sinner;
5 refresh the downtrodden but give nothing to the proud.
No arms for combat should you give them,
lest they use these against you;
Twofold evil you will obtain for every good deed you do for them.
6 For God also hates sinners,
and takes vengeance on evildoers.[bk]
8 In prosperity we cannot know our friends;[bl]
in adversity an enemy will not remain concealed.(BQ)
9 When one is successful even an enemy is friendly;
but in adversity even a friend disappears.(BR)
10 Never trust your enemies,
for their wickedness is like corrosion in bronze.
11 Even though they act deferentially and peaceably toward you,
take care to be on your guard against them.(BS)
Treat them as those who reveal secrets,[bm]
and be certain that in the end there will still be envy.
12 Do not let them stand near you,
lest they push you aside and take your place.
Do not let them sit at your right hand,
or they will demand your seat,
And in the end you will appreciate my advice,
when you groan with regret, as I warned.
13 Who pities a snake charmer when he is bitten,[bn]
or anyone who goes near a wild beast?
14 So it is with the companion of the proud,
who is involved in their sins:
15 While you stand firm, they make no move;
but if you slip, they cannot hold back.
16 With their lips enemies speak sweetly,
but in their heart they scheme to plunge you into the abyss.
Though enemies have tears in their eyes,
given the chance, they will never have enough of your blood.(BT)
17 If evil comes upon you, you will find them at hand;
pretending to help, they will trip you up,
18 Then they will shake their heads and clap their hands
and hiss repeatedly, and show their true faces.
Chapter 13
Caution Regarding Associates[bo]
1 Touch pitch and you blacken your hand;
associate with scoundrels and you learn their ways.
2 Do not lift a weight too heavy for you,
or associate with anyone wealthier than you.
How can the clay pot go with the metal cauldron?
When they knock together, the pot will be smashed:
3 The rich do wrong and boast of it,
while the poor are wronged and beg forgiveness.
4 As long as the rich can use you they will enslave you,
but when you are down and out they will abandon you.
5 As long as you have anything they will live with you,
but they will drain you dry without remorse.
6 When they need you they will deceive you
and smile at you and raise your hopes;
they will speak kindly to you and say, “What do you need?”
7 They will embarrass you at their dinner parties,
and finally laugh at you.
Afterwards, when they see you, they will pass you by,
and shake their heads at you.
8 Be on guard: do not act too boldly;
do not be like those who lack sense.
9 When the influential draw near, keep your distance;
then they will urge you all the more.
10 Do not draw too close, lest you be rebuffed,
but do not keep too far away lest you be regarded as an enemy.
11 Do not venture to be free with them,
do not trust their many words;
For by prolonged talk they will test you,
and though smiling they will probe you.
12 Mercilessly they will make you a laughingstock,
and will not refrain from injury or chains.
13 Be on your guard and take care
never to accompany lawless people.[bp]
15 Every living thing loves its own kind,
and we all love someone like ourselves.
16 Every living being keeps close to its own kind;
and people associate with their own kind.
17 Is a wolf ever allied with a lamb?
So the sinner with the righteous.(BU)
18 Can there be peace between the hyena and the dog?
Or peace between the rich and the poor?[bq]
19 Wild donkeys of the desert are lion’s prey;
likewise the poor are feeding grounds for the rich.
20 Humility is an abomination to the proud;
and the poor are an abomination to the rich.
21 When the rich stumble they are supported by friends;
when the poor trip they are pushed down by friends.
22 When the rich speak they have many supporters;
though what they say is repugnant, it wins approval.
When the poor speak people say, “Come, come, speak up!”
though they are talking sense, they get no hearing.
23 When the rich speak all are silent,
their wisdom people extol to the clouds.
When the poor speak people say: “Who is that?”
If they stumble, people knock them down.(BV)
24 Wealth is good where there is no sin;[br]
but poverty is evil by the standards of the proud.
25 The heart changes one’s face,
either for good or for evil.(BW)
26 The sign of a good heart is a radiant face;
withdrawn and perplexed is the toiling schemer.
Chapter 14
1 [bs]Happy those whose mouth causes them no grief,
those who are not stung by remorse for sin.(BX)
2 Happy are those whose conscience does not reproach them,
those who have not lost hope.
The Use of Wealth
3 Wealth is not appropriate for the mean-spirited;[bt]
to misers, what use is gold?
4 What they deny themselves they collect for someone else,
and strangers will live sumptuously on their possessions.(BY)
5 To whom will they be generous that are stingy with themselves
and do not enjoy what is their own?
6 None are worse than those who are stingy with themselves;
they punish their own avarice.
7 If ever they do good, it is by mistake;
in the end they reveal their meanness.
8 Misers are evil people,
they turn away and disregard others.
9 The greedy see their share as not enough;
greedy injustice dries up the soul.
10 The eye of the miserly is rapacious for food,
but there is none of it on their own table.
11 [bu]My son, if you have the means, treat yourself well,
and enjoy life as best you can.(BZ)
12 Remember that death does not delay,
and you have not been told the grave’s appointed time.
13 Before you die, be good to your friends;
give them a share in what you possess.(CA)
14 Do not deprive yourself of good things now
or let a choice portion escape you.
15 Will you not leave your riches to others,
and your earnings to be divided by lot?
16 Give and take, treat yourself well,
for in Sheol there are no joys to seek.
17 All flesh grows old like a garment;
the age-old law is: everyone must die.(CB)
18 As with the leaves growing on a luxuriant tree—
one falls off and another sprouts—
So with the generations of flesh and blood:
one dies and another flourishes.(CC)
19 All human deeds surely perish;
the works they do follow after them.
The Search for Wisdom and Her Blessings[bv]
20 Happy those who meditate on Wisdom,
and fix their gaze on knowledge;(CD)
21 Who ponder her ways in their heart,
and understand her paths;
22 Who pursue her like a scout,
and watch at her entry way;
23 Who peep through her windows,
and listen at her doors;
24 Who encamp near her house
and fasten their tent pegs next to her walls;
25 Who pitch their tent beside her,
and dwell in a good place;[bw]
26 [bx]Who build their nest in her leaves,
and lodge in her branches;
27 Who take refuge from the heat in her shade
and dwell in her home.
Chapter 15
1 Whoever fears the Lord will do this;
whoever is practiced in the Law will come to Wisdom.
2 She will meet him like a mother;
like a young bride she will receive him,
3 [by]She will feed him with the bread of learning,
and give him the water of understanding to drink.(CE)
4 He will lean upon her and not fall;
he will trust in her and not be put to shame.
5 She will exalt him above his neighbors,
and in the assembly she will make him eloquent.
6 Joy and gladness he will find,
and an everlasting name he will inherit.(CF)
7 The worthless will not attain her,
and the haughty will not behold her.
8 She is far from the impious;
liars never think of her.
9 [bz]Praise is unseemly on the lips of sinners,
for it has not been allotted to them by God.
10 But praise is uttered by the mouth of the wise,
and its rightful owner teaches it.
Free Will[ca]
11 Do not say: “It was God’s doing that I fell away,”
for what he hates he does not do.
12 Do not say: “He himself has led me astray,”
for he has no need of the wicked.(CG)
13 Abominable wickedness the Lord hates
and he does not let it happen to those who fear him.
14 God in the beginning created human beings
and made them subject to their own free choice.(CH)
15 If you choose, you can keep the commandments;
loyalty is doing the will of God.
16 Set before you are fire and water;
to whatever you choose, stretch out your hand.
17 Before everyone are life and death,
whichever they choose will be given them.(CI)
18 Immense is the wisdom of the Lord;
mighty in power, he sees all things.
19 The eyes of God behold his works,
and he understands every human deed.(CJ)
20 He never commands anyone to sin,
nor shows leniency toward deceivers.[cb]
Chapter 16
God’s Punishment of Sinners[cc]
1 Do not yearn for worthless children,
or rejoice in wicked offspring.
2 Even if they be many, do not rejoice in them
if they do not have fear of the Lord.
3 Do not count on long life for them,(CK)
or have any hope for their future.
For one can be better than a thousand;
rather die childless than have impious children!
4 Through one wise person a city can be peopled;
but through a clan of rebels it becomes desolate.
5 Many such things my eye has seen,
and even more than these my ear has heard.
6 Against a sinful band fire is kindled,(CL)
upon a godless people wrath blazes.[cd]
7 He did not forgive the princes of old[ce]
who rebelled long ago in their might.(CM)
8 He did not spare the neighbors of Lot,[cf](CN)
abominable in their pride.
9 He did not spare the doomed people,[cg]
dispossessed because of their sin;
10 Nor the six hundred thousand foot soldiers,[ch](CO)
sent to their graves for the arrogance of their hearts.
11 Had there been but one stiff-necked[ci] person,
it would be a wonder had he gone unpunished.
For mercy and anger alike are with him;
he remits and forgives, but also pours out wrath.
12 Great as his mercy is his punishment;
he judges people, each according to their deeds.
13 Criminals do not escape with their plunder;
the hope of the righteous, God never leaves unfulfilled.
14 Whoever does good has a reward;
each receives according to their deeds.[cj]
17 Do not say: “I am hidden from God;
and on high who remembers me?
Among so many people I am unknown;
what am I in the world of spirits?
18 Look, the heavens and the highest heavens,
the abyss and the earth tremble at his visitation.
19 The roots of the mountains and the earth’s foundations—
at his mere glance they quiver and quake.
20 Of me, therefore, he will take no notice;
with my ways who will be concerned?
21 If I sin, no eye will see me;
if all in secret I act deceitfully, who is to know?(CP)
22 Who tells him about just deeds?
What can I expect for doing my duty?”
23 Such the thoughts of the senseless;
only the foolish entertain them.
Divine Wisdom Seen in Creation[ck]
24 Listen to me, my son, and take my advice,
and apply your mind to my words,
25 While I pour out my spirit by measure
and impart knowledge with care.
26 When at the first God created his works
and, as he made them, assigned their tasks,(CQ)
27 He arranged for all time what they were to do,
their domains from generation to generation.
They were not to go hungry or grow weary,
or ever cease from their tasks.
28 Never does a single one crowd its neighbor,
or do any ever disobey his word.
29 Then the Lord looked upon the earth,
and filled it with his blessings.(CR)
30 Its surface he covered with every kind of living creature
which must return into it again.
Chapter 17
Creation of Human Beings
1 The Lord created human beings from the earth,
and makes them return to earth again.(CS)
2 A limited number of days he gave them,(CT)
but granted them authority over everything on earth.
3 He endowed them with strength like his own,
and made them in his image.
4 He put fear of them in all flesh,
and gave them dominion over beasts and birds.[cl]
6 Discernment, tongues, and eyes,
ears, and a mind for thinking he gave them.
7 With knowledge and understanding he filled them;
good and evil he showed them.
8 He put fear of him into their hearts
to show them the grandeur of his works,
9 That they might describe the wonders of his deeds
10 and praise his holy name.
11 He set before them knowledge,
and allotted to them the law of life.
12 An everlasting covenant he made with them,
and his commandments[cm] he revealed to them.
13 His majestic glory their eyes beheld,
his glorious voice their ears heard.
14 He said to them, “Avoid all evil”;
to each of them he gave precepts about their neighbor.
15 Their ways are ever known to him,
they cannot be hidden from his eyes.[cn]
17 Over every nation he appointed a ruler,[co]
but Israel is the Lord’s own portion.[cp](CU)
19 All their works are clear as the sun to him,
and his eyes are ever upon their ways.
20 Their iniquities cannot be hidden from him;
all their sins are before the Lord.[cq]
22 Human goodness is like a signet ring with God,
and virtue he keeps like the apple of his eye.
23 Later he will rise up and repay them,
requiting each one as they deserve.(CV)
Appeal for a Return to God[cr]
24 But to the penitent he provides a way back
and encourages those who are losing hope!
25 Turn back to the Lord and give up your sins,
pray before him and make your offenses few.
26 Turn again to the Most High and away from iniquity,
and hate intensely what he loathes.
27 [cs]Who in Sheol can glorify the Most High(CW)
in place of the living who offer their praise?
28 The dead can no more give praise than those who have never lived;
they who are alive and well glorify the Lord.
29 How great is the mercy of the Lord,
and his forgiveness for those who return to him!
30 For not everything is within human reach,
since human beings are not immortal.
31 Is anything brighter than the sun? Yet it can be eclipsed.
How worthless[ct] then the thoughts of flesh and blood!
32 God holds accountable the hosts of highest heaven,
while all mortals are dust and ashes.
Chapter 18
The Divine Power and Mercy[cu]
1 He who lives forever created the whole universe;
2 the Lord alone is just.[cv]
4 To whom has he given power to describe his works,
and who can search out his mighty deeds?
5 Who can measure his majestic power,
or fully recount his mercies?
6 No one can lessen, increase,
or fathom the wonders of the Lord.
7 When mortals finish, they are only beginning,
and when they stop they are still bewildered.
8 What are mortals? What are they worth?
What is good in them, and what is evil?
9 The number of their days seems great
if it reaches a hundred years.(CX)
10 Like a drop of water from the sea and a grain of sand,
so are these few years among the days of eternity.
11 That is why the Lord is patient with them
and pours out his mercy on them.
12 He sees and understands that their death is wretched,
and so he forgives them all the more.
13 Their compassion is for their neighbor,
but the Lord’s compassion reaches all flesh,
Reproving, admonishing, teaching,
and turning them back, as a shepherd his flock.(CY)
14 He has compassion on those who accept his discipline,
who are eager for his precepts.
The Need for Prudence
15 My child, add no reproach to your charity,[cw]
or spoil any gift by harsh words.
16 Does not the dew give relief from the scorching heat?
So a word can be better than a gift.
17 Indeed does not a word count more than a good gift?
But both are offered by a kind person.
18 The fool is ungracious and abusive,
and a grudging gift makes the eyes smart.(CZ)
19 Before you speak, learn;
before you get sick, prepare the cure.
20 Before you are judged, examine yourself,
and at the time of scrutiny you will have forgiveness.
21 Before you fall ill, humble yourself;
and when you have sinned, show repentance.[cx]
Do not delay forsaking your sins;
do not neglect to do so until you are in distress.
22 Let nothing prevent the prompt payment of your vows;
do not wait until death to fulfill them.(DA)
23 Before making a vow prepare yourself;
do not be like one who puts the Lord to the test.
24 Think of wrath on the day of death,
the time of vengeance when he will hide his face.(DB)
25 Think of the time of hunger in the time of plenty,
poverty and need in the day of wealth.(DC)
26 Between morning and evening there is a change of time;
before the Lord all things are fleeting.
27 The wise are discreet in all things;
where sin is rife they keep themselves from wrongdoing.
28 Every wise person teaches wisdom,[cy]
and those who know her declare her praise;
29 Those skilled in words become wise themselves,
and pour forth apt proverbs.
Self-Control[cz]
30 Do not let your passions be your guide,(DD)
but keep your desires in check.
31 If you allow yourself to satisfy your passions,
they will make you the laughingstock of your enemies.
32 Take no pleasure in too much luxury
which brings on poverty redoubled.
33 Do not become a glutton and a drunkard
with nothing in your purse.
Chapter 19
1 Whoever does this grows no richer;
those who waste the little they have will be stripped bare.
2 Wine and women make the heart lustful,
and the companion of prostitutes becomes reckless.(DE)
3 Rottenness and worms will possess him,
and the reckless will be snatched away.(DF)
4 Whoever trusts others too quickly has a shallow mind,
and those who sin wrong themselves.
The Proper Use of Speech[da]
5 Whoever gloats over evil will be destroyed,
6 and whoever repeats gossip has no sense.
7 Never repeat gossip,
and no one will reproach you.(DG)
8 Tell nothing to friend or foe;
and unless it be a sin for you, do not reveal a thing.(DH)
9 For someone may have heard you and watched you,
and in time come to hate you.
10 Let anything you hear die with you;
never fear, it will not make you burst!
11 Having heard something, the fool goes into labor,
like a woman giving birth to a child.
12 Like an arrow stuck in a fool’s thigh,
so is gossip in the belly of a fool.
13 Admonish your friend—he may not have done it;
and if he did, that he may not do it again.(DI)
14 Admonish your neighbor—he may not have said it;
and if he did, that he may not say it again.
15 Admonish your friend—often it may be slander;
do not believe every story.
16 Then, too, a person can slip and not mean it;
who has not sinned with his tongue?(DJ)
17 Admonish your neighbor before you break with him;
and give due place to the Law of the Most High.[db](DK)
How to Recognize True Wisdom[dc]
20 All wisdom is fear of the Lord;
and in all wisdom, the observance of the Law.[dd](DL)
22 The knowledge of wickedness is not wisdom,
nor is there prudence in the counsel of sinners.
23 There is a shrewdness that is detestable,
while the fool may be free from sin.
24 Better are the God-fearing who have little understanding
than those of great intelligence who violate the Law.
25 There is a shrewdness keen but dishonest,
and there are those who are duplicitous to win a judgment.
26 There is the villain bowed in grief,
but full of deceit within.
27 He hides his face and pretends not to hear,
but when not observed, he will take advantage of you:
28 Even if his lack of strength keeps him from sinning,
when he finds the right time he will do harm.
29 People are known by their appearance;
the sensible are recognized as such when first met.
30 One’s attire, hearty laughter, and gait
proclaim him for what he is.
Chapter 20
Conduct of the Wise and the Foolish
1 There is an admonition that is untimely,[de]
but the silent person is the wise one.
2 It is much better to admonish than to lose one’s temper;
Footnotes
- Foreword The Law, the prophets, and the authors who followed them: an indication of the eventual tripartite division of the Hebrew Scriptures: Law (torah), Prophets (nebi’im), and Writings (ketubim), shortened in the acronym Tanak. Thirty-eighth…Euergetes: 132 B.C. The reference is to Ptolemy VII, Physkon Euergetes II (170–163; 145–117 B.C.).
- 1:1–10 This brief poem serves as an introduction to the book. The Lord is the source and preserver of all wisdom, which he pours out upon all. See Jb 28:20–28; Prv 2:6; 8:22–31; Wis 7:25–27.
- 1:1 Wisdom: throughout the book Ben Sira describes in great detail just what wisdom is: sometimes divine (1:6, 8), sometimes a synonym for God’s law (24:22–23). Ben Sira makes clear that all wisdom comes from God.
- 1:4
Other ancient texts read as v. 5:
The wellspring of wisdom is the word of God in the heights,
and its runlets are the ageless commandments.
- 1:6
Other ancient texts read as v. 7:
An understanding of wisdom—to whom has this been disclosed;
her resourcefulness, who has known?
- 1:8–10 In contrast to Jb 28, wisdom is not only with God, but given to all, especially Israel; see Bar 3:9; 4:4.
- 1:11–30 This is one of several poems of 22 bicola, or poetic lines, corresponding to the number of letters in the Hebrew alphabet. Ben Sira uses the expression “fear of the Lord” twelve times and the noun “wisdom” seven times to emphasize the connection between the two ideas. He describes the blessings that come to those who fear the Lord, i.e., those who practice true religion by loving and serving God and keeping the Law (2:7–10, 15–17; 4:11–16; see Dt 6:1–5, 24). Such blessings recur throughout the book.
- 1:11 Fear of the Lord: Ben Sira identifies wisdom with the fear of the Lord (vv. 26–27).
- 1:12
Other ancient texts read as v. 12cd:
Fear of the Lord is the Lord’s gift;
also for love he makes firm paths.
- 1:18
Other ancient texts read as v. 18cd:
Both are gifts of God toward peace;
splendor opens out for those who love him.
- 1:23–24 Ben Sira pays close attention to kaīros, the right time, occurring some sixty times in his book.
- 1:28–30 Attempting to serve the Lord with duplicity of heart is hypocrisy and self-exaltation, deserving of public disgrace.
- 2:1–11 Serving the Lord is not without its trials (v. 1); but no matter what happens, the genuine believer will remain sincere, steadfast, and faithful (vv. 2–3). Misfortune and humiliation are means of purification to prove one’s worth (vv. 4–5). Ben Sira believed that patience and unwavering trust in God are ultimately rewarded with the benefits of God’s mercy and of lasting joy (vv. 6–11).
- 2:12–18 A stern warning to those who compromise their faith in time of affliction; they fail in courage and trust and therefore have no security (vv. 12–14). But those who fear the Lord through obedience, reverence, love, and humility find his “mercy equal to his majesty” (vv. 15–18).
- 3:1–16 Besides the virtues that must characterize our conduct toward God, special duties are enjoined, such as honor and respect toward parents, with corresponding blessings (vv. 1–9). By showing such respect especially to old and infirm parents (vv. 10–13), the sins of children are pardoned (vv. 14–15). Failure to honor father and mother is blasphemy and merits a curse from God (v. 16). Cf. Ex 20:12; Eph 6:2–3.
- 3:17–24 Humility gives you a true estimate of yourself (vv. 17–20; cf. 10:28), so that you will do what should be done, and avoid what is beyond your understanding and strength (vv. 21–23). Intellectual pride, however, leads you astray (v. 24). Ben Sira is perhaps warning his students against the perils of Greek philosophy.
- 3:18
Other ancient texts read as v. 19:
Many are lofty and famous,
but to the humble he reveals his plan.
- 3:25–29 The antidote for stubbornness is to be found in the search for knowledge and wisdom.
- 4:1 Needy eyes: when the poor look for help; cf. 18:18.
- 4:11–19 The Hebrew text in vv. 15–19 presents wisdom speaking in the first person, as in chap. 24. The precious fruits of wisdom—life, favor, glory, blessings, God’s love—arouse desire for her (vv. 11–14). Her disciples are like ministers (v. 14) and judges (v. 15), whose descendants have her for their heritage (v. 16). They enjoy happiness and learn her secrets after surviving her tests (vv. 17–18). Those who fail her are abandoned to destruction (v. 19).
- 4:20–31 The student of wisdom is warned about interior trials of discipline and external dangers to sincerity and justice, namely evil, human respect (vv. 20–22), compromise of liberty in speech and action (vv. 23–25), false shame (v. 26). The student must fight for the truth (vv. 25, 28), avoiding cynicism and laziness (v. 29), and inconsistency (v. 30).
- 5:1–8 The vices of the rich are pride and independence (vv. 1–2), presumption (v. 3), false security (vv. 4–6), and impenitence (v. 7), which cannot escape the divine wrath (vv. 7–8). Cf. Prv 18:23; 19:1; 28:6.
- 5:9–6:1 Proper use of the tongue requires constancy in speech (v. 10), prudence (vv. 11–12), good judgment (v. 13), charity (5:15; 6:1); detraction, calumny (v. 14), and double-talk bring shame and disgrace (5:14; 6:1).
- 5:9 The metaphors indicate careless behavior.
- 6:1 Thus…double-tongued!: people will say this against those disgraced by lying and double-talk.
- 6:5–17 One of several poems Ben Sira wrote on friendship; see also 9:10–16; 12:8–18; 13:1–23; 19:13–17; 22:19–26; 27:16–21. True friends are discerned not by prosperity (v. 11), but through the trials of adversity: distress, quarrels (v. 9), sorrow (v. 10) and misfortune (v. 12). Such friends are rare, a gift from God (vv. 14–17).
- 6:18–37 The various figures in each of the eight stanzas urge the search for wisdom through patience (vv. 18–19), persistence (vv. 20–22), docility and perseverance (vv. 23–28). Wisdom bestows rich rewards (vv. 29–31) on those who apply themselves and learn from the wise (vv. 32–36). Although one must strive for wisdom, it is God who grants it (v. 37). Cf. 4:11–19.
- 6:22 Discipline: musar (in the sense of wisdom) is a perfect homonym for musar, “removed, withdrawn”; thus the path of discipline is not accessible to many.
- 7:1–17 In the conduct of social relations wisdom forbids evil and injustice (vv. 1–3), pride (vv. 5, 15–17), ambition and partiality (vv. 4, 6), public disorder (v. 7), presumption and impatience toward God (vv. 9–10), ridicule (v. 11), mischief and deceit toward one’s neighbor (vv. 8, 12–13). See the several wisdom poems in Prv 1–9.
- 7:1 There is a play on “evil” which means both moral wrong and material calamity.
- 7:11 One who exalts and humbles: God; cf. 1 Sm 2:7; Ps 75:8; Lk 1:52.
- 7:14 Repeat…prayer: brevity of speech is a wisdom ideal; toward superiors and God it is a sign of respect; cf. Eccl 5:1; Mt 6:7.
- 7:17 Worms: i.e., corruption; the Septuagint adds “fire.”
- 7:18–36 Respect and appreciation, justice and kindness should characterize relations toward members of the household (vv. 18–28), God and the priests (vv. 29–31), the poor and afflicted, the living and the dead (vv. 32–35).
- 7:18 Ophir: the port, at present unidentified, to which the ships of Solomon sailed and from which they brought back gold and silver; cf. note on Ps 45:10.
- 7:21 After six years of service a Hebrew slave was entitled to freedom; cf. Ex 21:2; Dt 15:12–15.
- 7:23 Cure their stubbornness: keep them from rebellious pride; so with the Greek. Cf. 30:1–13. The Hebrew text, probably not original here, reads: “Choose wives for them while they are young.”
- 7:31 First fruits…holy offerings: cf. Ex 29:27; Lv 7:31–34; Nm 18:8–20; Dt 18:1–5.
- 7:33 This seems to refer to the observances ordained toward the dead, that is, proper mourning and burial. Cf. 2 Sm 21:12–14; Tb 1:17–18; 12:12.
- 7:36 Never sin: because the last days of the sinner, it was presumed, would be troubled.
- 8:1–19 The prudent will be circumspect, avoiding conflict with the powerful, the rich and insolent, the impious, the irascible, and judges (vv. 1–3, 10–12, 14, 16). They will not associate with the undisciplined (v. 4) or the ruthless (v. 15), with fools or strangers (vv. 17–19), but with the wise and the elders of the people (vv. 8–9). Caution is a recurring theme in Ben Sira.
- 8:3 One should avoid increasing the ire of those who are hotheaded; cf. vv. 10, 16.
- 8:5 We all are guilty: cf. 1 Kgs 8:46; 2 Chr 6:36; Jb 25:4; Eccl 7:20; Rom 3:9–10; 5:12; 1 Jn 1:8.
- 8:11 Giving in to the wicked only encourages them to take advantage.
- 8:18 To keep a secret, or a confidence, is a major concern of Ben Sira; cf. 1:30; 22:22; 27:16–21; 37:10; 42:1.
- 9:1–9 Ben Sira writes about women only from the androcentric viewpoint of his culture. Cf. 25:13–26:27.
- 9:1 Jealousy may lead to suspicion and may prompt a wife to those actions her husband fears.
- 9:5 Cf. Ex 22:15–16; Dt 22:28–29; Jb 31:1. Cf. note on Ex 22:16.
- 9:9 In blood: perhaps refers to blood revenge; cf. Lv 20:10.
- 9:10–16 The second of Ben Sira’s poems on friendship; cf. note on 6:5–17. In choosing friends, adherence to the law of the Lord should serve as a guide (v. 15). Associate with true friends (v. 10), with the righteous and the learned (vv. 14–16); avoid the company of the mighty and of sinners (vv. 11–13). Cf. 8:1–19.
- 9:17–10:5 Public office as conducted justly or unjustly benefits or destroys the people, according to the axiom, “as the prince, so the people.” God, however, has sovereignty over both.
- 10:9–10 The general implication is that a slight illness today may be followed by death tomorrow. The uncertainty of life leaves no room for pride.
- 10:19–11:6 Genuine honor comes not from one’s place in society but from fear of the Lord and a true estimate of oneself. The Lord exalts the lowly and oppressed; transgressors of the commandment merit dishonor and disgrace.
- 10:20
Other ancient texts read as v. 21:
The beginning of acceptance is the fear of the Lord;
the beginning of rejection, effrontery and pride.
- 11:4 The implication is similar to Eccl 7:13; 8:17: the mysterious work of God.
- 11:5 Cf. 1 Sm 2:8; Ps 75:8; 105:17–22; Lk 1:52.
- 11:7–28 Discretion should regulate conduct toward others (vv. 7–9); as regards personal interests, one should avoid solicitude for the passing external benefits of life and property (vv. 10–14, 18–19, 21, 23–25) and cultivate the lasting inward gifts of wisdom, virtue (vv. 20, 22), and patience (vv. 25–28).
- 11:14 In mysterious ways God ultimately governs the lives of men and women.
- 11:14
Other ancient texts read as vv. 15–16:
15Wisdom and understanding and knowledge of the Law,
love and virtuous paths, are from the Lord.
16Error and darkness were formed with sinners from their birth,
and evil grows old with those who exult in evil.
- 11:19 Cf. the parable of the rich man, Lk 12:16–21.
- 11:26–28 Ben Sira thought that divine retribution took place only in the present life, and even at the end of life; cf. 9:12; 14:16–17.
- 12:1 The import of this verse is brought out in vv. 4–5.
- 12:6 Verse 7 is a variant of verse 4 and is omitted.
- 12:8–18 Adversity distinguishes friends from enemies; to trust the latter or permit them intimacy is to invite disaster. Cf. note on 6:5–17.
- 12:11 Ben Sira has harsh words for those who reveal secrets; see also 8:18; 27:16–21; 42:1; Prv 11:13; 20:19.
- 12:13 For v. 13a, see especially Eccl 10:11.
- 13:1–14:2 By means of various images, most of them unfavorable to the rich, Ben Sira indicates the practical impossibility of genuine and sincere companionship between the poor and the rich. He lays down a principle of associating with equals (13:6–19).
- 13:13
Other ancient texts read as v. 14:
If you hear these things in your sleep, wake up!
With your whole life, love the Lord
and call on him for your salvation.
- 13:18 The hostility between the dogs which guard the flocks (Jb 30:1) and the rapacious hyenas (Jer 12:9) is proverbial in Palestine.
- 13:24 Ben Sira allows that the rich can be virtuous—but with difficulty; cf. 31:1–11.
- 14:1–2 A clear conscience, the result of honoring personal commitments and responsibilities, brings contentment and peace.
- 14:3–10 Ben Sira offers a case study about the miserable life of the “small-hearted” (Heb. leb qaṭan) to verify vv. 1–2. They are evil because they do not use their wealth properly to benefit themselves or others. While they are never satisfied that they have enough, they ignore their own needs and hospitality itself, feeding on the generosity of others, in order to protect their own resources. Ironically, after their death, strangers, with no obligation to keep their memory alive, enjoy their wealth.
- 14:11–19 Three realities govern Ben Sira’s attitude toward a proper use of wealth: the inevitability and uncertainty of death, the ephemeral nature of human accomplishments, the lack of reward or punishment after death. He advises generous enjoyment of God’s gift of wealth before death.
- 14:20–15:10 This poem charts the growing intimacy between those seeking Wisdom and Wisdom herself. They move from static reflection to playful pursuit, from camping outside the walls of her house to nesting inside her leafy shade. Ben Sira portrays Wisdom as both mother and bride, a feminine figure who is the fullness of womanhood according to his androcentric society.
- 14:25 In a good place: i.e., where Wisdom dwells.
- 14:26–27 The shift in imagery creates a more intimate relationship. Those seeking Wisdom dwell within her as a bird nests within a leafy tree.
- 15:3–6 In this role reversal Woman Wisdom teaches, nourishes, supports, and protects the vulnerable man. For similar imagery cf. Prv 8:4–21, 34–35; 9:1–5; 31:10–31.
- 15:9–10 There is an intimate association between wisdom and praise of the Lord.
- 15:11–20 Here Ben Sira links freedom of the will with human responsibility. God, who sees everything, is neither the cause nor the occasion of sin. We have the power to choose our behavior and we are responsible for both the good and the evil we do (vv. 15–17).
- 15:20 Deceivers: those who hold the Lord responsible for their sins.
- 16:1–23 One child who does God’s will is a greater blessing than many sinful offspring (vv. 1–4), for history and experience show that God punishes sin (vv. 5–10). God judges everyone according to their deeds (vv. 11–14); no one can hide from God or escape retribution at his hand (vv. 17–23).
- 16:6 For Korah and his band (v. 6a), see 45:18–19; Nm 16:1–35; Ps 106:18; for the disgruntled Israelites (v. 6b), Ps 78:21–22.
- 16:7 The princes of old: e.g., the mighty destroyed in the flood (Gn 6:1–4; Wis 14:6; Bar 3:26–28), as well as the king of Babylon (Is 14:4–21) and Nebuchadnezzar (Dn 4:7–30).
- 16:8 Neighbors of Lot: the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, condemned elsewhere for their sexual violence (Gn 19:24–25) and failure at hospitality (Ez 16:49–50).
- 16:9 Doomed people: the Canaanite tribes whose aberrant religious practices, at least in Israelite opinion, caused their downfall: Ex 23:23–24, 27–33; 33:2; 34:11–16; Dt 7:1–2; Wis 12:3–7.
- 16:10 Six hundred thousand foot soldiers: the number given for those rescued by Moses, who murmured against the Lord in the wilderness and died there: 46:1, 7–8; Nm 11:20; 14:1–12, 22–24, 29, 36–38; 26:65; Dt 1:35–38.
- 16:11 Stiff-necked: sinful Israelites; cf. Ex 32:9; 33:3, 5. Not even one Israelite would have gone unpunished for insolence or pride.
- 16:14
Other ancient texts read as vv. 15–16:
15The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh so that he did not recognize him
whose acts were manifest under the heavens;
16His mercy was seen by all his creatures,
and his light and his darkness he apportioned to humankind.
- 16:24–17:23 In harmony with Gn 1–2, the author describes God’s wisdom in creating the universe and everything in it (vv. 24–30), endowing human beings with a moral nature, with wisdom, knowledge, and freedom of will (cf. 15:14) according to his own image (17:1–3, 7). Now they can govern the earth (vv. 3–4), praise God’s name (vv. 9–10), obey his law (vv. 11–14), and render to him an account of their deeds (v. 23). Cf. Ps 19; 104.
- 17:4
Other ancient texts read as v. 5:
They received the use of the Lord’s five faculties;
of mind, the sixth, he granted them a share,
as also of speech, the seventh, the interpreter of his actions.
- 17:12 An everlasting covenant…his commandments: God made several covenants, e.g., Gn 9:8–17; 15:17–21; 17:1–22, entered into with humankind, especially on Mount Sinai, where the people saw God’s glory and heard his voice (v. 13; cf. Ex 19:16–24:18).
- 17:15
Other ancient texts read as v. 16:
Their ways are directed toward evils from their youth,
and they are unable to make their hearts flesh rather than stone.
- 17:17 Ruler: this may refer to civil officials or to heavenly beings placed over nations as guardians; see note on Dt 32:8, and the cross-references.
- 17:17
Other ancient texts read as v. 18:
Israel, as his firstborn, he cares for with chastisement;
the light of his love he shares with him without neglect.
- 17:20
Other ancient texts read as v. 21:
But the Lord, being good and knowing how they are formed,
neither neglected them nor ceased to spare them.
- 17:24–32 Ben Sira opens this poem with a prophetic summons to repent, urging sinners to give up their sins and to pray for forgiveness (vv. 24–26, 29). Ben Sira reflects the belief of his day that there was no life after death (vv. 27–28, 30; see note on 11:26–28). Cf. Ez 18:23, 30–32; 33:11–16. See note on Ps 6:6.
- 17:27–28 True life consists in praise of God; this is not possible in Sheol.
- 17:31 Worthless: cf. Gn 6:5. Though moral fault is not excluded, the thought here is the inability to understand the designs of God. Cf. Wis 9:14–18.
- 18:1–14 Not only are God’s justice and power beyond human understanding (vv. 1–7), his mercy also is boundless and surpasses all human compassion (vv. 8–14); he pities human frailty and mortality.
- 18:2
Other ancient texts read as v. 3:
He controls the world within the span of his hand,
and everything obeys his will;
For he in his might is the King of all,
separating what is holy among them from what is profane.
- 18:15–27 The practice of charity, especially almsgiving, is an art which avoids every offense to another (vv. 15–18). Prudence directs the changing circumstances of daily life in view of the time of scrutiny (i.e., the day of reckoning, or death, v. 24).
- 18:21 Sickness was often viewed as a punishment for sin; hence, the need for repentance. Cf. 38:9–10; Jb 15:20–24.
- 18:28–29 A general statement on the teaching of wisdom, serving either as a conclusion to the preceding section or as an introduction to the following one.
- 18:30–19:4 Inordinate gratification of the senses makes people unreasonable, slaves of passion, the laughingstock of their enemies, and it leads to an untimely death.
- 19:5–17 An excellent commentary on bearing false witness (Ex 20:16; Dt 5:20). Ben Sira speaks harshly about calumny, rash judgment, and detraction (vv. 5–7), and urges discreet silence (vv. 8–12). Justice requires that an accused neighbor be given a hearing, and charity urges fraternal correction; both together fulfill the law of the Most High (vv. 13–17); cf. Mt 7:1–2; 18:15–16.
- 19:17
Other ancient texts read as vv. 18–19:
18Fear of the Lord is the beginning of acceptance;
and wisdom from him obtains love.
19Knowledge of the Lord’s commandments is life-giving instruction;
those who do what pleases him will harvest the fruit of the tree of immortality.
- 19:20–30 True wisdom is contrasted with a dishonest shrewdness.
- 19:20
Other ancient texts read as v. 21:
The slave who says to his master, “What pleases you I will not do”—
even if he does it later, provokes the one who feeds him.
- 20:1–8 The wise know the proper times for speech and silence, that is, the occasions when the most benefit can be gained from them. On the ambiguity of silences, see Prv 17:27–28.
Scripture texts, prefaces, introductions, footnotes and cross references used in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC All Rights Reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.