Foreword by the translator from Hebrew to Greek
1 The Law, the Prophets and the other Writings which came later have transmitted to us so many and such great lessons that it seems fitting to praise Israel for its reputation in knowledge and wisdom. But it would not be enough to keep these truths for our own instruction: those who love wisdom want to be helpful in what they say and write to those who are not so familiar with her teachings.
My grandfather, Jesus, who devoted him self constantly to the read ing of the Law, the Prophets and the later Writings of our fathers and had acquired a thorough familiarity with them, be gan himself to write something about their teach ings and wisdom, in order that those peo ple desiring to gain knowledge might take ad van tage of his writings and make even greater progress in living according to the Law.
You are therefore invited to read this book with kind consideration and attention, and to show indulgence where, in spite of my painstaking efforts in interpretation, I may appear to have badly conveyed the meaning. Those things, which in this book are written in He brew, lose their force when they are translated into another language. In fact, not only this book but the Law it self, the Prophets and the other Writings differ considerably from the original text.
When I went to Egypt in the thirty-eighth year of King Euergetes and settled there, I found an exam ple of this important teaching and I judged it very necessary to exercise great care and make serious efforts in translating this book.
I have therefore, during this time, devoted many sleepless nights and much study in order to finish this book and to publish it for the use of those who, though they live outside Pales tine, wish to become lovers of wisdom and to conform their manner of living to the Law.
Wisdom comes from God
1 All wisdom comes from the Lord and endures with him forever.
2 The grains of sand, the drops of rain and the days of eternity, who can count them?
3 The height of heaven, the extent of the earth and the depths of the abyss, who can measure them?
4 Wisdom was created before all things and the prudent intellect before the beginning of time.
6 To whom was the source of Wisdom re vealed? Who has known her secret de signs?
8 One alone is wise and greatly to be feared. The One who is seated upon his throne.
9 The Lord himself created Wisdom. He looked on her and knew her value. He poured her out over all his works;
10 upon all mortal beings, in accordance with his goodness. He lavished her on those who love him.
11 The fear of the Lord is our glory and honor, it is joy and a triumphant crown.
12 The fear of the Lord gladdens the heart; it gives joy, gaiety and long life.
13 For the one who fears the Lord all will go well at the end of his life, and he will be blessed on the day of his death.
14 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; he put wisdom into the hearts of his faithful ones before their birth.
15 Founded from eternity she has made her home among people and she will remain faithful to their descendants.
16 The fear of the Lord is the fullness of wis dom. It will fill you with its fruits.
17 It will fill your whole house with desirable things.
It will fill your houses with its riches.
18 The fear of the Lord is the crown of wis dom.
19 Wherever it is, peace and good health flourish; knowledge and prudence rain down. Wisdom exalts those who possess her.
20 The fear of the Lord is the root of wisdom. Its branches are long life.
22 Unjust violence cannot be justified, it will destroy itself by its own excesses.
23 The patient man will hold out until the appointed time; but finally joy will be given to him.
24 He will guard his words until the appointed time and in the end many will recognize his worth.
25 Proverbs rich in content are among wis dom’s treasures but the sinner does not want to know about God.
26 Do you desire wisdom? Keep the commandments and the Lord will give her to you without measure;
27 for fear of the Lord is wisdom and learning; what pleases him is faithfulness and gentleness.
28 Do not put aside fear of the Lord; approach him with a sincere heart.
29 Do not be a hypocrite before others; watch well your words.
30 Do not praise yourself lest you fall and bring dishonor on yourself. For the Lord will reveal your secrets and throw you to one side in the midst of the assembly, if you have no fear of the Lord and your heart is full of deceit.
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Comments Sirach, Chapter 1
• The Jews do not use the word “Bible.” They refer to the Bible as: “The Law, the Prophets and the Writings,” these being the three major headings of the sacred book. See a similar expression in Luke 24:44.
• 1.1 In this poem, the author professes his faith. To those who think they are more modern because they seek human wisdom and doctrine, he simply declares that true wisdom consists in trusting God and fearing him.
He often speaks of fearing the Lord just as the Psalms do. This is different from the fear of pagans who imagine a resentful God.
To fear God is to see him always present and to take decisions in his presence. Whoever knows God is near fears to offend him because he is aware of his love and fidelity. To fear God signifies to respect him and to be mindful of him before all else.
Fearing the Lord is the opposite of fearing what others will say, fearing to be made fun of, or fear of failure. Those who fear the Lord give more importance to what God says, what he promises when he invites us to seek him and to save others.