The book of Jesus Son of Sirach.

The writer of the book, who calls himself Jesus son of Sirach, was a scribe from Jerusalem. He

was knowledgeable about the Law, the Prophets and the books of the fathers. He was one of the

last representatives of the Great Synagogue. To acquire knowledge, he traveled a lot in foreign

lands and suffered much trouble and persecution. He  collected  his  thoughts,  observations  and

travel notes in one book which he completed in the days of high priest Eleazar (287-265 BC).

This Eleazar dispatched 72 translators to Alexandria to translate Sacred Scriptures into  Greek.

Jesus was among those sent, and his name is found in Aristeus. list of translators.

  The book of Jesus son of Sirach is preserved in the Greek translation. The Hebrew original

was for a long time considered to have been lost, but in the relatively recent past a biblical jour-

nal reported the discovery of the Hebrew original of the book.

  The book of Jesus describes advantages of God-given wisdom (1). There are also instruc-

tions on various virtues: patience in suffering and trust in God (2), honoring one.s parents and

humility (3), helping the poor and relying on oneself (4), attitude to learning (7), attitude to the

rich and powerful (8), attitude to women (9), avoiding pride, drunkenness etc. Chapters 24-33

give, on behalf of God.s Wisdom, brief instructions on how to succeed in virtue, how to raise

children, and how to exercise self-control.

  In chapters 42-43 Jesus praises God.s greatness, so obvious in the harmony and meaning-

fulness of nature. Jesus son of Sirach concludes his book with the following prayer of thanksgiv-

ing:

.I will thank thee, O Lord and King, and praise thee, O God my Saviour: I do give praise

unto thy name: For thou art my defender and helper, and has preserved my body from de-

struction, and from the snare of the slanderous tongue ... Therefore will I give thanks, and

praise thee, and bless they name, O Lord. When I was yet young, or ever I went abroad, I

desired wisdom openly in my prayer. I prayed for her before the temple, and will seek her

out even to the end. Even from the flower till the grape was ripe hath my heart delighted

in her: my foot went the right way, from my youth upsought I after her. I bowed down

mine ear a little, and received her, and gat much learning. I profited therein ... The Lord

hath given me a tongue for my reward, and I will praise him therewith. (Ch. 51).

In the book of Jesus son of Sirach, besides useful advice and precise observations, one can feel

the inspiration of heavenly Wisdom, for which Jesus was constantly asking God. That is why his

book has always been heeded and loved by Orthodox Christians.

Selected Proverbs.

Topics: friendship, health, truthfulness, almsgiving, speech, prayer, wisdom, trusting God, repen-

tance, drunkenness, self-control, family, humility, honesty, advice, patience, hard work, modera-

tion, chastity.

Translator’s Note: There is some (random) disagreement between various translations of the

books of Sirach and Wisdom as to the numbering of verses. This translator made an effort to follow

the King James Version.

Friendship:  Be in peace with many: nevertheless have but one counselor of a thousand (Sir.

6:6).  A faithfu1l friend is a strong defense: and he that hath found such an one hath found a

treasure (Sir. 6:14). Forsake not an old friend; for the new is not comparable to him (Sir. 9:10).

A friend cannot be known in prosperity: and an enemy cannot be hidden in adversity (Sir. 12:8).

See also: Eccl. 4:9-12; 10:8; Sir. 7:34; 33:6.

Health and medicine: Sir. 30:16; 38:1-12.

Truth, lie, flattery: A thief is better than a man that is accustomed to lie: but they both shall

have destruction to heritage (Sir. 20:25). Praise is not seemly in the mouth of a sinner, for it was

not sent him of the Lord (Sir. 15:9). Strive for the truth unto death, and the Lord shall fight for

thee (Sir. 4:28). Be steadfast in thy understanding; and let thy word be the same (Sir. 5:10).

Almsgiving: Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine (Prov. 3:9-

10). Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do

it. Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when thou hast it

by thee (3:27-28). There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more

than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty (Prov. 11:24-26). By mercy and truth iniquity is purged:

and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil (Prov. 16:6). He that hath pity upon the poor

lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again (Prov. 19:17).

Water will quench a flaming fire; and alms maketh an atonement for sins (Sir. 3:30). Be not slow

to visit the sick: for that shall make thee to be beloved (Sir. 7:35). Dishonour not a man in his old

age: for even some of us wax old (Sir. 8:6). See also: Prov. 21:13, Sir. 4:1-8; 4:31; 7:33; 18:15;

34:18-19; 38:16.

Speech: A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver (Prov. 25:11). There is that

speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health (Prov. 12:18). In all

labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury (Prov. 14:23). Even a fool,

when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of

understanding (Prov. 17:28). Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a

fool than of him (Prov. 29:20).

If thou hast heard a word, let it die with thee; and be bold, it will not burst thee (Sir. 19:10).

Many have fallen by the edge of the sword: but not so many as have fallen by the tongue (Sir.

28:18). Let thy speech be short, comprehending much in few words; be as one that knoweth and

yet holdeth his tongue (Sir.  32:8).  See  also:  Prov.  13:3;  4:24;  5:13;  6:16-19;  32:9;  19:9;  20:5;

20:6.

Prayer: Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before

God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. For a dream

cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words

(Eccl. 5:2-3). 

Before thou prayest, prepare thyself; and be not as one that tempteth the Lord (Sir. 18:23). The

prayer of the humble pierceth the clouds (Sir. 35:17).

Wisdom: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge (Prov. 1:7). Yea, if thou criest after

knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and

searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find

the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and

understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk

uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. Then shalt

thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. When wisdom

entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; discretion shall preserve thee,

understanding shall keep thee (Prov. 2:3-11).

For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow (Eccl.

1:18). Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness (Eccl. 2:13). A

man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed (Eccl. 8:1).

Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little

folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour (Eccl. 10:1).

He that hath small understanding, and feareth God, is better than one that hath much wisdom,

and transgresseth the law of the most High (Sir. 19:24). See also: Prov. 3:13-26; 4:5-9; 15:33;

Sir. 6:18; 6:34; 21:15; 38:24; 39:1-9.

Trust in God: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Prov. 3:5-8). Boast not thyself

of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth (Prov. 27:1).

Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: Remove far from me vanity

and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full,

and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my

God in vain (Prov. 30:7-9).

As the clay is in the potter's hand, to fashion it at his pleasure: so man is in the hand of him that

made him, to render to them as liketh him best (Sir. 33:13). A man's heart deviseth his way: but

the LORD directeth his steps (Prov.  16:9).  See  also:  Prov.  16:3;  Eccl.  12:14;  Sir.  5:1;  16:12;

20:9.

Repentance and forgiveness: Wherewithal a man sinneth, by the same also shall he be punished

(Wis. 11:16). And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

(1 Pet. 4:18, cf. Prov. 11:31) For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but

the wicked shall fall into mischief (Prov. 24:16).

Make no tarrying to turn to the Lord, and put not off from day to day (Sir. 5:7). Whatsoever thou

takest in hand, remember the end, and thou shalt never do amiss (Sir. 7:36).

Reproach not a man that turneth from sin, but remember that we are all worthy of punishment

(Sir. 8:5).  A sinful man will not be reproved, but findeth an excuse according to his will (Sir.

32:17). See also Sir. 15:11.

For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. Also take no heed unto

all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: For oftentimes also thine own

heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others (Eccl. 7:20-22).

Drunkenness: Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling?

who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine;

they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his

colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like

an adder. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.

Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of

a mast (Prov. 23:29-35). Shew not thy valiantness in wine; for wine hath destroyed many (Sir.

31:25).

Self-control, loss of temper:  A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth

shame (Prov. 12:16). The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over

a transgression (Prov. 19:11). He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken

down, and without walls (Prov. 25:28). If thou blow the spark, it shall burn: if thou spit upon it,

it shall be quenched: and both these come out of thy mouth (Sir. 28:12). See also: Prov. 17:27;

19:19.

Family and raising of children: Prov.  13:24.  Train up a child in the way he should go: and

when he is old, he will not depart from it (Prov. 22:6). Withhold not correction from the child:

for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt

deliver his soul from hell (Prov. 23:13-14).

About a virtuous wife: Prov. 21:9; 31:10-31.

About parents: For the blessing of the father establisheth the houses of children; but the curse

of the mother rooteth out foundations (Sir. 3:9). Better it is to die without children, than to have

them that are ungodly (Sir. 16:3). See also: 3:12-13; 33:20-21.

Humility and pride: Surely he (God.transl). scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto

the lowly (Prov. 3:34). Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall (Prov.

16:18).  Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility (Prov.

18:12). The greater thou art, the more humble thyself, and thou shalt find favour before the Lord

(Sir. 3:17-18). Why is earth and ashes proud? (Sir. 10:9) The Lord hath plucked up the roots of

the proud nations, and planted the lowly in their place (Sir. 10:15). See also: Sir. 3:21; 4:7; 13:1;

20:11.

About dreams: Whoso regardeth dreams is like him that catcheth at a shadow, and followeth

after the wind (Sir. 34:2).

Honesty and modesty: Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life (Prov.

4:23). For there is a shame that bringeth sin; and there is a shame which is glory and grace (Sir.

4:21).

Advice: Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counselors they are

established (Prov. 15:22).

Patience and hardship: My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of

his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he

delighteth (Prov. 3:11-12).

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh

a city (Prov. 16:32). Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the

heart is made better (Eccl. 7:3).

My son, if thou come to serve the Lord, prepare thy soul for temptation ... For gold is tried in the

fire, and acceptable men in the furnace of adversity (Sir. 2:1-5). Woe be to fearful hearts, and

faint hands, and the sinner that goeth two ways! Woe unto him that is fainthearted! for he believeth

not; therefore shall he not be defended. Woe unto you that have lost patience! and what will

ye do when the Lord shall visit you? They that fear the Lord will not disobey his Word; and they

that love him will keep his ways. They that fear the Lord will seek that which is well, pleasing

unto him; and they that love him shall be filled with the law. They that fear the Lord will prepare

their hearts, and humble their souls in his sight, saying We will fall into the hands of the Lord,

and not into the hands of men: for as his majesty is, so is his mercy (Sir. 2:12-18).

Hard work and laziness:  Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer

hunger (Prov. 19:15). See also: Prov. 6:6-11; 24:30-34; Sir. 40:1.

Moderation: Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith (Prov. 15:16-17).

See also: Sir. 31:19; 37:30-31.

Chastity  (and marital faithfulness): As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman

which is without discretion (Prov. 11:22).

When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall

preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee ... To deliver thee from the strange woman, even

from the stranger which flattereth with her words; Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and

forgetteth the covenant of her God. For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the

dead. None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life (Prov. 2:10-

19). See also Prov. 5:1-23.

Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned? So he that goeth in to his neighbour's

wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent (Prov. 6:28-29).

The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.

Turn away thine eye from a beautiful woman, and look not upon another’s beauty; for many have

been deceived by the beauty of a woman; for herewith love is kindled as a fire (Prov. 22:14). See

also Sir. 9:8-9.