On Interacting with the poor Sirach 4:4-6
The fact that one is poor, is no reason to disregard them. Our
maker is one; why would you think that he does not listen to their lamentation?
If you are the cause of it, be wary; his cry may be heard and you bear the
brunt of wisdom's anger.
Poverty exists and God allows it. If she allows it, is it not wise to use the gifts you have been given for the benefit of those without? The poor exist as a means of blessing those who have. If you are wise, you will use your gifts as God directs.
Always walk with humility in your heart. To the powerful, show
obeisance as recognition for their stature, and for the poor, be kind and
listen gently always mindful of your humanity. For the old, great or small
respect is owed. We do these things as best we can but remember it should not
be to your detriment. Never show too much deference to the mighty, or
partiality to the poor or old, be on an even keel, remembering both your
humanity and theirs.
On the cardinal virtues Sirach 4:9-10
The 4 cardinal virtues are Prudence, Temperance, Fortitude, and Justice (familiarize
yourself with them). This is a reference to Justice. We must always champion
justice for all regardless of their stature. God is impartial to the poor or
the rich; her justice is for all and we as her disciples must do the same,
protecting the just from the unjust and the weak from the strong.
Adam and Eve expelled, Genesis 8:22-24
Champaigne- The good shepherd, John 10:1-21
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Wisdom like all good things should be sought in earnest. For us
that are Christians, the bible has several wisdom books to choose from. I
particularly like Sirach and The Proverbs, the two books we are partially
reviewing, due to their practical teachings, easily applicable to everyday
life. There is also the Wisdom of Solomon, The Psalms, and the Bible in
general. As in all things, to know what is important to you, simply look at what
you prioritize. I use a simple formula that you may find useful. A day should
be prioritized along the following lines; God first, then Neighbour, and
finally Self.
The deluge, Genesis 7:1-5
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Our days are both linear (time) and dynamic (actions). The formula
should thus be both linear and dynamic. Linear in that the first thing you do
is read the bible as a way of both reaching out to wisdom and inculcating the
same, as you are doing now. As for the rest of the day simply put your neighbour
first in all that you do; intentionally placing yourself last. To love your neighbour
is to “will the good of the other”, and in so doing, you satisfy a love of neighbour
and an enhancement of your spiritual self.
Our days are both linear (time) and dynamic (actions). The formula should thus be both linear and dynamic. Linear in that the first thing you do is read the bible as a way of both reaching out to wisdom and inculcating the same, as you are doing now. As for the rest of the day simply put your neighbour first in all that you do; intentionally placing yourself last. To love your neighbour is to “will the good of the other”, and in so doing, you satisfy a love of neighbour and an enhancement of your spiritual self.
On the use of wisdom Sirach 4:22-25
Be
wary of sin and the shame that comes with it. Anything that goes against the
commandments and the teachings of Christ can rightly be ascribed to sin. I find
that having knowledge of the seven deadly
sins, and heavenly virtues helps
in keeping one in sync with what is right and noble.
Do
not be partial, for God is not. Neither should we be too deferential simply
because of the advantages another party may have (power wealth and so on).
Partiality or blind deference removes your ability for balanced judgment. Be
balanced as Wisdom herself is.
.jpg "Fetti - The lost Drachma, Matt 18:21-36")
Confess
your sins and strive to change. Where sin abounds, don’t try to change its
flow, simply walk away. You cannot change a river's direction, and trying may
lead to you being crushed. If you encounter scoffers, people that mock you for
attempts at righteous behaviour, ignore them as they do not want to change and
might choose to destroy you instead. There is the parable of throwing pearls
before swine. Don’t try, they won’t see the value of it. There is such a thing
as stubborn immutability in character.
Be
wary of foolish people, and do not be directly subject to them. The foolish,
known by action, speech, and writing have no interest or concern in wisdom.
Look for those in love with wisdom, as you are.
On good speech Sirach 4:29
At
all times weigh your words. Our Lord said what defiles or edifies comes from
our speech and writing and other ways of expressing ourselves; not what we
consume. Please note this extends to posting our thoughts on social media and
other aspects of speech.
If
you want to understand somebody, listen to what they say, read what they write
and post and finally see how they act. One can try to hide one's character, but
speech, the written word, and actions will eventually betray you.
On being calm Sirach 4:30
Only
love truly endures. To rule one's home by brute force is to call on the anger
of others rather than their love. There are many homes ruled by brute force,
but later in life when the children grow, they will eventually starve you of
love as they remember bitterly how you lorded it over them. In everything be
balanced, and in your home be the lamb; it is your home after all. In what we
call our home, is it not best to simply be gentle with one another? You raise a
child gently, and they will do the same in their own homes.
Feti - The good samaritan, Luke 15: 25-37
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As
for staff, if you must find fault, then do away with them. If they accept your
mastership, then guide them as a master. Don’t be a fault-finder. The fact that
somebody has decided to work for you, is good enough. Thereafter, simply be
gentle in guiding them toward what you want.
As for staff, if you must find fault, then do away with them. If they accept your mastership, then guide them as a master. Don’t be a fault-finder. The fact that somebody has decided to work for you, is good enough. Thereafter, simply be gentle in guiding them toward what you want.
On generosity Sirach 4:31 and moderation in wealth Sirach 5: 1-6
The problem with blind aggression for success is the end justifying the means. Being overly reliant on one’s own abilities removes wisdom from the picture. We all wish for wealth, but it must come in the context of Godliness.
You
must subject yourself to Godly reason, this way, what will come your way will
be steady and certain. On the other hand, don’t be so confident that you say,
you have enough and will strive no more. Remember the parable of the rich fool?
In everything remember the Lord. Do you not remember Job? One second he has,
the next second he has none, and later the Lord restores him with even
more.
Anton- Portrait of Christ Mark 15:20-26
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Our
Lord said that he desires mercy and not sacrifice, meaning that he extends his
mercy readily to all of the human race and wrath only when at the end of His
tether. Wisdom suggests that we do not God by ignoring what is righteous,
simply because we are getting away with what is not. The Lord's mercy should
not be taken as His ignorance of your sins. He is simply being merciful, giving
you the time to seek out the straight and narrow. Do not presume His mercy,
think of His wrath, and repent always.
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Our Lord said that he desires mercy and not sacrifice, meaning that he extends his mercy readily to all of the human race and wrath only when at the end of His tether. Wisdom suggests that we do not God by ignoring what is righteous, simply because we are getting away with what is not. The Lord's mercy should not be taken as His ignorance of your sins. He is simply being merciful, giving you the time to seek out the straight and narrow. Do not presume His mercy, think of His wrath, and repent always.
On unjust scales Proverbs 20:23
Dishonest
wealth is simply taking what you have not sown. You know yourself, you know
your industry, and you know what others should know but you take advantage of
their ignorance. This is dishonest. Your knowledge is meant to benefit
society fairly and not enrich yourself unjustly. Remember the Lord hates
unjust weights and measures.
This flows to all aspects of society, don’t think that it only applies to your local butcher or greengrocer ☺ Whether you are an investment banker, plumber, or stock broker; all professions; if you deal with others unfairly it accounts for dishonesty and thus unjust scales.
On
being patient and consistent Sirach
5:9-14
There
are many things in this world and many ways to earn a living. Not all are
suitable for you. Take the time to know yourself and grow in what is
suitable.
As
for discussions, know what you understand and what you can reliably comment on.
If you don’t know, don’t speak. Just listen and maybe learn.
On being remiss Sirach 5:15
Large
or small roles, both require your full attention. As the English say, take care
of the pennies and they will take care of the pounds. Everything in life
matters, and more often than not, what appears simple and small, requires more
attention, for it is from these that lethal problems develop.
On a good name and being double-faced Sirach 6:1-4
Relying
on God, His word, and advice from those in love with wisdom is how to obtain
counsel. Overconfidence in your ability is an ignorance of God; how can you
know more than the wisdom of the ages? The primary principle here is humility
and understanding that no matter how good we see ourselves, we are nothing but
dust and ashes.
On
being pleasant Sirach
6:5
If
you are keen to gain favour with human beings, the starting point is seeing all
men as created in the image and likeness of God. If you start with this thought
in mind, it will not matter whom you address, pauper or King; your word will
always be gentle and gracious, respecting their humanity. Who would not want to
be addressed gently, humanely, and graciously?
On
being peaceful Sirach
6:6
As
we stated above, within the bounds of reasonableness, treat everyone with the
same dignity. In this way, you will always have peace. As for advisers,
choose those that have made the garnering and practice of wisdom a part and
parcel of their lives. You will hear God in their speech, and see it in their
actions.
On
friendships Sirach
6:7-17
To
understand a man is to hear his words and watch his actions. Understand the
measure of the man, by what he dwells on. With this approach, you will know a
fair-weather friend, or one only keen on one-sided gain very
quickly. There are those obsessed with earthly rather than spiritual
things. Choose those that are forever seeking wisdom; these are likely to be
more balanced in their approach to the world and more suitable for you. Let the
birds you flock with, be as you are; a seeker of wisdom. Trust in the Lord and
He will guide you to the right kind of friends.
On
seeking wisdom and instruction Sirach
6:18-36
Nothing
good comes easily, more so wisdom. I only started actively seeking her in my
middle age, and have tried to remain close to her. Those I remember that chose
to follow her from childhood are often in a better mental, spiritual, and even
material state than many. To truly benefit, you must be consistent. She yields
her secrets slowly, and only to the steadfast.
Feti - Parable of the vineyard workers, Matt 20:1-16
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Our
Lord Jesus says that His burden is light and His yoke is easy. Gods thinking
comes with freedom, within the bounds of His yoke. Freedom is of no purpose if
we do not know how to best make use of her. Wisdom guides us in the way that we
apply our relative freedoms.
Our Lord Jesus says that His burden is light and His yoke is easy. Gods thinking comes with freedom, within the bounds of His yoke. Freedom is of no purpose if we do not know how to best make use of her. Wisdom guides us in the way that we apply our relative freedoms.
Reflect
on the statutes of the Lord, and meditate at all times on his commandments. It
is he who will give insight into your mind, and your desire for wisdom will be
granted. It seems self-explanatory, simply seek the wise and stay close to
them. This also extends to a good education and is one of the reasons why we
educate our children as best we can.
In today’s tech-savvy world, if you can’t find a wise person close by, seek them on the internet, in good books, and so on. I make a point of watching short videos of my favourite wise persons daily and as a rule, any form of communication (movies, internet, talks, etc) I expose myself to, must at the very least have wisdom at its core.