Loading…

Sirach is unavailable, but you can change that!

The book of Sirach praises the study of the law, the wisdom of the men of old and their prophecies. Its author is well read and rearticulates traditional Jewish wisdom for his generation, centering it on fear of the Lord, and clearly asserting that wisdom is a gift from God. He encourages his audience to remain steadfast in following the law of Moses rather than following the ways of the dominant...

The statement that “the fear of the Lord turns back all anger” (1:21) completes 1:14–20 and provides a link to the mention of anger in 1:22. Because human wrath does not accomplish God’s righteousness (Prov 15:18; Jas 1:20), Ben Sira urges his students to control their anger. The self-controlled person will receive public praise for being patient (Prov 14:29). Sirach 1:25–27 links wisdom, the commandments, and fear of God (Prov 2:5–6; Deut 4:5–6; 10:12–13). The fear of the Lord entails “faithfulness
Page 15
Buy this book at Logos.com