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.
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.
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 Good and evil, life and death, poverty and riches—all are from the Lord.
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, now I will feast on my goods,” They do not know how long it will be till they die and leave them to others.
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.
26 For it is easy for the Lord on the day of death 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.
The book of Sirach, also known as Ecclesiasticus, is a part of the Wisdom literature in the Old Testament. Ben Sira advises against rash judgment and useless arguments.
One should not overestimate one’s ability to judge or place blame before examining the truth and understanding the circumstances. It is important to listen attentively and understand the full context before interrupting someone to respond. Do not get involved in matters that don't concern you and avoid unnecessary disputes with the arrogant. Chasing after wealth is futile because greed distorts one’s values, creates desires that are difficult to satisfy, and leads to other sins. One may work tirelessly, but without proper planning or wisdom, one will still fall behind. A lowly person may be slow or lacking ability, but if they seek the Lord, His Divine guidance can lift them from their lowly state to the amazement of many. God can reverse fortunes in an instant.
God mysteriously governs our lives. Both good and bad circumstances are allowed by God. True wisdom, knowledge, understanding, love, and the inclination towards virtuous living all come from God. Error, darkness, and sin are intertwined and evil will increase and become entrenched in those who revel in it. God's favor and blessings remain with the righteous and lead to lasting prosperity.
A person may accumulate wealth through stinginess and frugality and that is the reward they receive for their way of life. While one might feel assured and safe in their wealth and possessions, the future remains unpredictable, and the timing of death is uncertain. Eventually, one will pass away, leaving behind their wealth and possessions to others. The only wise course is the pursuit of virtue. God is in control and justice ultimately triumphs. Remain committed to your agreements and responsibilities, and be consistent in your work. Do not be impressed by the work of sinners but trust in the Lord and work diligently because if it is His will, the Lord can suddenly make the poor man rich. The blessings of the Lord can suddenly bloom on the righteous.
Do not question the value of your service to God or doubt your future reward, and do not assume safety or immunity from future misfortunes because of your present possessions or status. In good times we forget past troubles and in bad times we forget the good times. God’s divine judgment occurs at death. A short period of suffering can make one forget past joys, and, in the end, one’s true character and deeds are revealed. Do not judge anyone as fortunate or blessed before their death. It is then that the quality of their life can be assessed.
__________________________________
References
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.
Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
Comments