1 Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always,
but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
2 Blessed is he whose conscience has not condemned him,
and who has not given up hope in the Lord’s mercy.
3 Riches are not fitting for a fool, and what is a poor man’s knowledge in the sight of his betters?
4 Like a eunuch who has been wronged, there is within her a daughter who mourns; and like a barren woman she is grieved in soul, for her children are gone.
5 Like a eunuch who has been wronged in the matter of a virgin, so is he who does good and yet is wronged in return.
6 Like a eunuch who has been wronged, there is a person who keeps silent and is full of bitterness in his heart.
7 If you do good, know for whom you are doing it, and your kindness will have its effect.
8 The envious man has a wicked eye; he turns away his face and despises people.
9 The eye of the Lord is upon those who love him, a mighty shield and strong support, a shelter from scorching wind and a shade from noonday sun, a guard against stumbling and a help against falling.
10 Like a eunuch who has been wronged, there is a person who in silence holds back his tongue, and is familiar with nothing.
11 Like a partridge that hatches eggs it did not lay is the man who amasses wealth unjustly; in the midst of his days it will leave him, and at his end he will be a fool.
12 Remember that death will not be long in coming, and that the covenant of the grave is not shown to you.
13 Do not remember the sins of our fathers;
but think on your own sins and your fathers’ sins.
14 Do not take the attitude of a hired hand, who constantly looks for the end of his work,
15 Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.
16 A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one finds a treasure.
17 All flesh grows old as does a garment, for the covenant from the beginning is, “You must die!”
18 Like a eunuch who has been wronged, obtaining justice, or a man who refuses to marry a virgin, so is the man who does what is unjust with his tongue, and who does not repay a wrong done to him.
19 Every living creature loves its own kind,
and every person his neighbor.
20 Blessed is the man who meditates on wisdom
and who reasons intelligently.
21 Do not be jealous of the wife of your bosom, or you will teach her an evil lesson to your own hurt.
22 Come to her like one who plows and sows, and wait for her good harvest.
23 In all your works be quick, no sickness will overtake you.
24 Give to the godly man, but do not help the sinner.
25 A life of labor, and heavy toil, will make one sleep at night; and they will be pleased with what they eat.
26 So also a sinful man’s way is full of thorns, but as for the path that is righteous, it is level and smooth.
27 And if he does good, he does it unwillingly and becomes aware of it afterward.
The True Meaning of Sirach 14
The Book of Sirach, also known as Ecclesiasticus, was written by a Jewish scribe named Jesus ben Sira around 200-175 BC. He was a wise teacher who sought to provide guidance and instruction to his fellow Jews during a time of political and social upheaval. Ben Sira offers wisdom on the proper use of wealth and the importance of generosity in this chapter. He warns against the dangers of greed and selfishness, and encourages his readers to be mindful of their mortality and the fleeting nature of earthly possessions. These themes echo the teachings of Ecclesiastes, which reminds us that “all is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2) and that true fulfillment is found in fearing God and keeping His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
Ben Sira’s words carry particular weight in the context of the Maccabean Revolt, a time when many Jews were tempted to compromise their faith in pursuit of wealth and power. His exhortations to “give to the Most High as he has given to you” (Sirach 14:11) and to “remember that death does not tarry” (Sirach 14:12) serve as a call to spiritual renewal and a reminder of the fleeting nature of earthly success.
Sirach 14:1-2
The verses in Sirach 14:1-2 highlight the importance of self-control and wisdom in a person’s life. The first verse begins with a metaphor comparing a wise person to a house of strength and solid foundation. A person who is grounded in wisdom will be able to withstand the trials of life, just as a house built on a solid rock will withstand the storm. This imagery emphasizes the value of wisdom as a source of stability and security in one’s life.
The second verse continues on to explain the importance of good sense and knowledge in a person’s life. It emphasizes that the fear of the Lord is essential in acquiring wisdom. The “fear of the Lord” in the biblical context does not refer to being scared of God, but rather to a deep reverence, respect, and awe for God’s wisdom, power, and holiness. This reverence leads to a desire to live in accordance with God’s laws and principles, which in turn leads to wisdom and understanding.
These verses from Sirach echo sentiments expressed in other parts of the Bible, particularly in the Book of Proverbs. Proverbs 1:7 states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” This idea of starting with a deep respect for God as the foundation for wisdom is a recurring theme in biblical wisdom literature. Sirach 14:1-2 reminds us of the value of wisdom and understanding in our lives and the importance of grounding ourselves in the fear of the Lord. It teaches that true wisdom and knowledge come from a place of humility, reverence for God, and a willingness to learn and grow. The imagery of a wise person being like a strong house further emphasizes the idea that wisdom provides a solid foundation upon which to build a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Sirach 14:3-10
Several important sections can break down the verse in Sirach 14:3-10. Section 1 – Starting with the fear of the Lord:
“Riches are not fitting for a fool, and what is a poor man in need of them? A comparison is being drawn between riches and the fear of the Lord in this section. The verse highlights the importance of wisdom over material wealth. The fear of the Lord, in this context, refers to a deep respect and reverence for God, aligning with His will. The verse emphasizes that even the poorest of people have something of great value if they have the fear of the Lord. This sentiment resonates with other passages in the Bible, such as Proverbs 1:7, which states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
- Section 2 – The fear of the Lord as knowledge:
“What he knows is of no avail to him, for he has no wisdom.”
This section further emphasizes the importance of possessing wisdom along with knowledge. Knowledge alone, without wisdom and the fear of the Lord, is considered futile. The verse suggests that knowledge without wisdom is incomplete and lacking in real value. This idea is reinforced in Proverbs 2:6-7, where it states, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless.”
- Section 3 – The fear of the Lord as a treasure:
“Better is the godliness that is hidden than the man of many words who is ungodly.”
Here, a contrast is made between outward display and true godliness. The verse implies that a person who truly fears the Lord and lives a godly life, even if not publicly visible, is more honorable than someone who speaks many words but lacks true godliness in their heart. This concept reflects Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 6:1-8 about the importance of genuine piety over outward displays of religious acts for public recognition.
- Section 4 – The fear of the Lord and discipline:
“Give what you have to others, and do not be envious when you give. A craftsman is encouraged by his work, and a man of peace will love his wife. The verse in this section touches on the themes of generosity and contentment. It encourages giving to others without envy and finding joy in one’s work and relationships. The verse implies that true fulfillment comes not from material possessions or achievements but from a heart that is content and focused on living righteously. This idea aligns with 1 Timothy 6:6, which states, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. Sirach 14:3-10 provides profound insights into the value of wisdom, the fear of the Lord, humility, and contentment in the life of a believer. It emphasizes that true wealth is not measured by material possessions but by one’s relationship with God and others. These teachings are timeless and continue to hold relevance in guiding individuals to live purposeful and fulfilling lives in accordance with God’s will.
Sirach 14:11-19
Different important sections can be identified for closer examination in Sirach 14:11-19.
First, in verse 11, the focus is on resisting evil, which is a central theme in many biblical teachings. The verse advises to turn away from wrongdoing and put off the remembrance of sin. This emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning towards righteousness. The concept of repentance is deeply ingrained in the Bible, with numerous stories illustrating the transformation that can occur when individuals turn away from sin and embrace God’s ways. One such example is the story of King David in the Old Testament. Despite his grave sins, David repented sincerely and was forgiven by God, highlighting the power of repentance and redemption.
Moving on to verse 12 and 13, the imagery of a heavy yoke and a coat of lead signifies the burden of sin and its weight upon the soul. This metaphorical language underscores the oppressive and stifling nature of sin, which can weigh down individuals and prevent them from experiencing the fullness of life that God intends. This imagery echoes the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30, where He invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest, offering a yoke that is easy and a burden that is light. This serves as a reminder of the freedom and liberation that comes from living in alignment with God’s will. The text shifts to a more positive outlook in verse 14, emphasizing the joy that comes from following the commandments of the Lord. This sentiment resonates with Psalm 19:8, which describes God’s commandments as being more precious than gold and sweeter than honey. The inherent value and delight in obedience to God’s commandments are highlighted, showcasing the transformative power of a life lived in accordance with God’s will.
Verse 19 wraps up this passage by stressing the importance of wisdom and understanding. Wisdom in the biblical context often equates with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10) and is seen as essential for living a righteous and fulfilling life. The pursuit of wisdom is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, with figures like Solomon being renowned for their wisdom and discernment. Individuals can navigate life’s challenges with clarity and insight and draw closer to God and His purposes by seeking wisdom and understanding. Sirach 14:11-19 underscores the transformative power of repentance, the liberating joy of obedience, and the necessity of wisdom in navigating life’s journey. The passage serves as a reminder of the timeless truths found in the Bible, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives and strive for righteousness, joy, and wisdom in their walk with God.
Sirach 14:20-27
The verses in Sirach 14:20-27 touch on the topics of repentance, forgiveness, and the importance of not holding grudges. Let’s break down these sections for a deeper understanding. The focus in verse 20 is on turning away from sin and returning to the Lord. This verse emphasizes the idea that true repentance requires a change of heart and a genuine effort to walk in the ways of the Lord. Through repentance, individuals acknowledge their sins, seek forgiveness, and commit to living in accordance with God’s commandments. This act of turning back to God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, highlighting the importance of humility and contrition in seeking God’s mercy and grace. The book of Psalms is filled with verses that express this sentiment, such as in Psalm 51:10, where King David pleads with God to create in him a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within him.
Moving on to verse 21, it speaks of forgiving your neighbor’s injustices. This serves as a reminder of the significance of forgiveness in the life of a believer. We are called to extend the same forgiveness to others as we seek forgiveness from God for our own sins. The Bible is replete with teachings on forgiveness, with Jesus Himself emphasizing the importance of forgiving others in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:12). The act of forgiving others is not only a sign of obedience to God’s commandments but also a way to release oneself from the burden of resentment and anger. We reflect the mercy and grace that God has shown us as we forgive others, paving the way for reconciliation and peace in our relationships.
Verse 22 introduces the concept of the wrath and anger of the Lord. This verse serves as a cautionary reminder of the consequences of sin and disobedience. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous instances where God’s wrath is displayed in response to the unrepentant hearts of His people. The Israelites in the Old Testament faced God’s wrath due to their idolatry and disobedience, as seen in examples like Numbers 25:3. The fear of God’s anger serves as a motivator for believers to turn away from sin, seek His forgiveness, and strive to live in a manner pleasing to Him. The passage transitions to the call for remembrance of death and the day of judgment in verse 23. This verse underscores the importance of contemplating the transient nature of life and the certainty of facing judgment before God. The brevity of life is a common theme in the Bible, with verses like Psalm 90:12 urging us to number our days and gain a heart of wisdom. Reflecting on the reality of death and judgment prompts believers to prioritize their relationship with God, live with eternity in mind, and strive for holiness and righteousness in all aspects of their lives. We delve into verses 24-27, focusing on the impermanence of worldly possessions and the futility of accumulating wealth without regard for righteous living. This section underscores the fleeting nature of material possessions and the vanity of seeking security and fulfillment solely through earthly means. The Book of Ecclesiastes echoes this sentiment, with King Solomon lamenting the vanity of chasing after worldly pleasures and riches without considering the eternal significance of one’s actions (Ecclesiastes 1:2). The pursuit of righteousness and a life lived in accordance with God’s will is portrayed as ultimately more valuable and enduring than amassing wealth that will fade away. These verses from Sirach 14 offer timeless wisdom on the themes of repentance, forgiveness, the fear of the Lord, the brevity of life, and the true value of righteousness over worldly possessions. They serve as a poignant reminder for believers to prioritize their relationship with God, extend grace and forgiveness to others, and remain steadfast in their commitment to living a life that glorifies Him.
After Sirach 14
The chapter concluded with a sobering reminder that our time on this earth is fleeting. The wise man understands the importance of using his wealth and resources to do good, rather than hoarding them selfishly. We must consider how we can be better stewards of the gifts God has entrusted to us as we move forward. For it is not the size of our wealth that matters, but how we choose to use it in service of the Lord and our fellow man. The next chapter will explore the virtues of wisdom and how we can cultivate this precious quality in our lives.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.