God's Blessing

Sirach 31 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

1 A wakeful person anticipates the happy dawn, but the insomniac anticipates the morning as a bitter day.
2 Watch for a chance to do good, and do not be found idle.
3 The rich person toils to amass wealth, and when he rests, he fills himself with his dainties.
4 Are you seated at the table of the great? Do not be greedy at it, and do not say, “How much food there is here!”
5 He who loves gold will not be justified, and he who pursues money will be led astray by it.
6 Do not invite death by the error of your life,
or bring on destruction by the works of your hands;
7 Do not give yourself over to sorrow,
and do not distress yourself deliberately.
8 Blessed is the rich man who is found blameless, and who does not go after gold.
9 The heart of a man changes his countenance, whether for good or evil, and a cheerful heart makes a cheerful face.
10 Who will justify the one who sins against his own soul? And who will honor the one who dishonors his own life?
11 Wine is like life to men, if you drink it in moderation. What is life to a man who is without wine? It has been created to make men happy.
12 Do not be overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself?
13 A musical composition in a banquet of wine is as a seal of carbuncle set in gold.
14 A man is known by his appearance, and a sensible man is known by his face when you meet him.
15 Judge your neighbor’s feelings by your own, and in every matter be thoughtful.
16 Eat as it becometh a man, those things which are set before thee; and devour not, lest thou be hated.
17 A man may be known by his look, and one that hath understanding by his countenance, when thou meetest him.
18 Wine is as good as life to a man, if it be drunk moderately: what life is then to a man that is without wine? for it was made to make men glad.
19 A wise man is cautious in everything.
20 Sound sleep comes from moderate eating; he rises early, and his wits are with him.
21 The furnace tests the potter’s vessels; so the test of a man is in his reasoning.
22 A man is known by his appearance, and a sensible man is known by his face when you meet him.
23 A man is known by his appearance, and a sensible man is known by his face when you meet him.
24 When one is invited by a man of high rank, he should be discreet, and not be in a hurry to take his seat.
25 The furnace tests the potter’s vessels; so the test of a man is in his reasoning.
26 The furnace tests the potter’s vessels; so the test of a man is in his reasoning.
27 Wine is very life to man if taken in moderation. What is life to a man who is without wine? It has been created to make men glad.
28 Wine is like life to men, if you drink it in moderation. What is life to a man who is without wine? It has been created to make men happy.
29 Be not prodigal with your wealth, nor stingy with your goods.
30 Wine is very life to man if taken in moderation. What is life to a man who is without wine? It was created to make men glad.
31 And if you have been forced to eat, rise up, go out, vomit, and you will have relief.

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The True Meaning of Sirach 31

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 on how to live a righteous life. Sirach addresses the topic of wealth and its proper use in this chapter. He cautions against the dangers of greed and the temptation to put one’s trust in material possessions rather than in God. Sirach reminds his readers that true wealth is found in wisdom, virtue, and a right relationship with the Almighty.

Sirach’s words echo the teachings of Proverbs, where we are warned that “the love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). He also reminds us of Jesus’ admonition that “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:24).

Sirach 31:1-11

Sirach 31:1-11 dives into the idea of wealth – the allure, potential pitfalls, and proper attitude towards it. Let’s break down these verses into important segments and explore their meanings:

  1. “Watching for wealth consumes the flesh, and the care of it drives away sleep.”
    Commentary: This verse warns about the obsession with acquiring wealth and the subsequent anxiety that comes with it. The pursuit of riches can be all-consuming and lead to a restless, sleepless life. The preacher is cautioning against allowing the desire for wealth to take precedence over one’s well-being and inner peace. This echoes the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 6:19-21, where he encourages storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth.

  2. “The thought of the rich is like a running brook, and his advice like a flowing spring.”
    Commentary: This verse highlights the influence and impact that wealthy individuals can have on others. The advice and actions of the rich can shape the attitudes and decisions of those around them, just as a flowing spring provides sustenance and life. The preacher may be suggesting that while wealth can bring power and influence, it also carries a responsibility to lead others in a positive and righteous direction.

  3. “The eyes of the envious are green with jealousy, and they reveal in a twisted way the thing they desire.”
    Commentary: Envy is portrayed as a negative force that distorts one’s perceptions and actions. The preacher draws attention to the destructive nature of jealousy, which not only consumes the envious individual but also manifests in harmful behavior towards others. This verse aligns with the Ten Commandments, specifically the prohibition against coveting in Exodus 20:17, emphasizing the importance of contentment and gratitude.

  4. “A bow that is bent will shoot; the archer will have a grievous wound.”
    Commentary: This verse uses the metaphor of a bow to illustrate the consequences of harboring envy and ill will. The build-up of negative emotions like jealousy will inevitably lead to harm, both for the envious person and those they target. The preacher may be warning against the self-inflicted wounds that come from nurturing destructive attitudes, emphasizing the need for forgiveness and letting go of resentments. The preacher in Sirach 31:1-11 offers valuable insights into the complexities of wealth, envy, and the power of one’s thoughts and actions. These verses serve as a reminder to prioritize spiritual wealth over material possessions and to guard against destructive emotions like envy by delving into the nuances of human nature and relationships. The timeless messages in these verses resonate with biblical teachings on contentment, generosity, and the importance of maintaining a heart free from envy and greed.

Sirach 31:12-24

A passage in Sirach 31:12-24 provides wisdom on the topic of dining, specifically warning against overindulgence in food and drink. Identify the subject: “Let’s”
Rewritten sentence: Let’s break down this passage into important sections to delve deeper into its meaning.

  1. “Wine is very life to human beings if taken in moderation.” This initial statement sets the tone for the passage, acknowledging that wine can bring joy and life to people when consumed in moderation. This aligns with the biblical view that wine, when used in moderation, can be a blessing from God. Excess wine can lead to drunkenness and foolish behavior, but the Bible often associates wine with celebration and joy (Psalm 104:14-15 and Proverbs 20:1).

  2. “What is life to one who is without wine?” This rhetorical question emphasizes the cultural significance of wine during the time the book of Sirach was written. Wine was not just a beverage but a symbol of abundance, joy, and blessing. The question challenges the reader to consider the role of wine in their own life and whether they depend on it for their happiness and well-being.

  3. The passage goes on to caution against drunkenness and describes the negative consequences of excessive drinking. It warns that drunkenness leads to bitterness of soul, quarrels, and stumbling. This echoes biblical teachings that condemn drunkenness and its destructive effects (Ephesians 5:18, Proverbs 23:20-21). The Bible warns against the pitfalls of overindulgence in alcohol, emphasizing the importance of self-control and temperance.

  4. Furthermore, the passage advises against gluttony, stating that overeating leads to sickness and drowsiness. This mirrors biblical teachings on gluttony, where the Bible warns against excessive consumption of food (Proverbs 23:2, Philippians 3:19). The concept of self-control in eating is emphasized throughout the Bible, highlighting the importance of moderation and discipline in all aspects of life.

  5. The passage concludes by affirming the virtues of moderation and balance in eating and drinking. It encourages enjoying food and drink as gifts from God but cautions against abusing these pleasures. This resonates with biblical teachings on stewardship, reminding believers to appreciate God’s blessings in moderation and with gratitude (1 Corinthians 10:31). Sirach 31:12-24 provides timeless wisdom on the importance of moderation in eating and drinking. It underscores the value of self-control, gratitude, and stewardship in enjoying God’s blessings. The passage serves as a reminder to seek balance in all aspects of life and to avoid the pitfalls of excess that can lead to physical, emotional, and spiritual harm.

Sirach 31:25-31

The passage in Sirach 31:25-31 reflects the wisdom literature found in the book of Sirach, giving practical advice on the topic of feasting and drinking. Let’s break it down into sections for in-depth commentary:

  1. “The furnace tests the potter’s vessels; so the test of a person is in his reasoning.”
    This verse draws an analogy between a potter’s vessels being tested in a furnace to a person being tested in their reasoning. Our reasoning abilities reveal the depth of our character just as the furnace reveals the strength or weakness of the vessels. This emphasizes the importance of thinking carefully and critically before making decisions or taking actions. Reasoning is crucial in discerning God’s will and following his commandments in the Bible. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding, acknowledging Him in all our ways so He can direct our paths.

  2. “The fruit discloses the cultivation of a tree; so a word displays the mind of a man.”
    This verse likens the fruit of a tree to the words that we speak, indicating that our words reveal the state of our minds. Our words can demonstrate the condition of our hearts and minds, just as good fruit indicates a well-cultivated tree. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 12:34-35, where he speaks about how the mouth speaks what the heart is full of, emphasizing the importance of guarding our speech and focusing on cultivating good thoughts and intentions.

  3. “Do not praise anyone before he speaks, for this is the way people are tested.”
    This verse cautions against premature praise before someone has had the opportunity to speak or reveal their true character. We can gain insight into a person’s integrity and values by observing their words and actions. This aligns with the biblical principle found in 1 Samuel 16:7, where God reminds Samuel that He looks at the heart, not outward appearances. It encourages us to look beyond surface-level attributes and instead focus on the substance of a person’s character.

  4. “If you pursue justice, you will attain it and wear it like a glorious robe.”
    This verse highlights the importance of seeking justice and righteousness. The pursuit of justice is not just about achieving a goal but embodies a way of life that reflects one’s commitment to God’s principles. The prophet in Micah 6:8 reminds us that we are called to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. Justice is not merely an external action but a reflection of our internal values and beliefs, shaping how we interact with others and honor God.

  5. “Birds settle on their nests, and so does honesty return to those who practice it. The image of birds returning to their nests in this final verse conveys the idea that honesty and integrity naturally find their way back to those who consistently uphold them. Those who embody honesty in their lives instinctively make it a part of their identity, just as birds return to their nests. This aligns with the biblical principle of sowing and reaping found in Galatians 6:7-9, emphasizing that we will reap what we sow, whether in actions or character traits. Sirach 31:25-31 offers timeless wisdom on the importance of reasoning, cultivating good character, discerning true quality, pursuing justice, and embodying honesty and integrity. These verses serve as a reminder to align our words and actions with God’s principles, recognizing that our character is tested and revealed through our choices and behaviors.

After Sirach 31

The reverend solemnly closed the book and gazed upon the congregation. “My friends, we have seen the wisdom of Sirach regarding the dangers of wealth and the importance of moderation. Yet, his teachings do not end there. We will explore Sirach’s insights on the true nature of friendship and the bonds that tie us together, even in the face of adversity in the next chapter. We can now reflect on how to apply these lessons to our own lives, so that we may grow in virtue and find true fulfillment.”