On doing evil Sirach 7:1-7
Do not exalt yourself before wisdom, for before her we are just dust and ashes. Remember the parable of the publican and the Pharisee. The publican was justified due to his reverence, knowing that he is a sinful man and does not merit the Lord's favour. Do not exalt yourself, for all have sinned and fall short of God's glory.
It is only through His grace and Mercy that we can be accommodated by Him. Remember this always, no matter how good you think you are, you still stink to high heaven with sin; it’s our nature.
David
in his battles with Saul refused to kill him because he was God's anointed
(despite Saul's jealous rage). Don’t exalt yourself to leadership, let the Lord
guide you. As for partiality towards the rich or the poor, this is hated by
wisdom, which loves justice for all.
David in his battles with Saul refused to kill him because he was God's anointed (despite Saul's jealous rage). Don’t exalt yourself to leadership, let the Lord guide you. As for partiality towards the rich or the poor, this is hated by wisdom, which loves justice for all.
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On humility Sirach
7: 8-17
On humility Sirach 7: 8-17
As
much as possible, once you sin and seek forgiveness, it should not be repeated.
It does not matter that you give alms willingly; they will not be used to bribe
the Lord. Be careful not to be presumptuous, indeed we rely on His mercy, but
we cannot be presumptuous about it. Remember that He sees the heart and all our
motives.
On
wisdom against money Sirach
7:18-22
We
have spoken about pride and greed before and their negative effects on one’s
life. Love friendship more than money; love true intelligence, regardless of
status; love loyalty and servitude with intelligence even if in somebody you
consider beneath you. The way of the world is to scorn an intelligent poor man,
but praise a fool of a rich man.
On
children Sirach
7:23-26
I
have always believed that the easiest way to heaven is through children and
family, at least for those that can have them. The Lord tells us to love our neighbour
above ourselves. His meaning was everybody including our nearest and dearest.
The distinction we make is that even a child is your neighbour despite having a
genetic association. It is simply a grace that they are under your care. A love
of neighbour is to actively wish for the good of the other, even at your own
expense. What better place to start than in your own home? We have a
responsibility to guide all our neighbours, including those nearest and dearest
to the straight and narrow.
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On honoring Parents Sirach 7:27-31
The
fourth commandment is not to be treated lightly. It was chosen as the most
important commandment regarding our relations with other human beings or
collectively “our neighbours”. The three preceding commandments dwell on our
relationship with God. The question asked is how we can repay the gift of life
to our parents. Within the bounds of reason and respect for human dignity,
respect them as best you can.
In
the commandments, respect for parents comes with a promise; “that your days on
earth may be blessed and fruitful”. Respect them as best you can, despite any
misgivings, you may have.
The
church, its ministers, and especially its work should never be ignored. As much
as you can, help those that dedicate their lives to shepherding humanity to the
almighty.
On
performing merciful works Sirach
7:33-36
There is much to say here, however, I refer you to look for the corporal and spiritual works of mercy based on Matthew 25:31-46. Please research these. Don’t forge ahead without doing so.
On Judiciousness :
On interacting with the rich Sirach 8:1-2
Interact
with the rich and powerful as you must. A lion has no business with a lamb. If
they are driven by the thirst for wisdom and godliness, then they are like you
and worthy of further interaction. If not, don’t contend with them, and
certainly don’t befriend them, you are certain to end up with the shorter end
of the stick.
On
Gossips Sirach
8:3-4
A
man is understood through his thoughts, speech, and actions. Gossips will
betray themselves as will the base. Be observant and act accordingly.
On not taking advantage of others Sirach 8:5-9
Never
stand in the way of one who is repenting, lest the Lord blames you for swaying
them back to sin. The old must be respected no matter how cantankerous they
are. Age is worthy of respect in its own right, but there is such a thing as a
foolish old man.
Never
influence people to sin, you have enough of your own. As for base people,
simply stay away from them. These act like animals, with the survival of the
fittest being their primary instinct. We are human beings and not wild animals;
there is a reason for the grey matter between your ears. Be tactful, but from
these completely stay away.
The analogy of being a Lion is meant as a compliment for aggressiveness. If we are to look at it literally, it would mean that one is acting like an animal. Animals have no choice, theirs is a zero-sum game; eat or be eaten. God has blessed us with the grey matter between our ears; it is why we subdue nature and are not subdued by it. A Lion is a part of nature and must act accordingly. Human beings are above it and thus must act differently. It is no compliment to be called a Lion.
On
being careful about fools Sirach
8:16-19
This
is again about base people. Human life and dignity are of no consequence to
them. They are closer to animals than human beings and should be avoided
at all costs. You will know a fool by his thoughts, words, and actions. Wisdom
and the most high are the least of their concerns.
Good thoughts lead to good fortune. Sometimes, just mind your own business and act on the thoughts the Lord has shown you; they were meant for you.
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On regarding money Sirach 7:18-22
We have spoken about pride and greed before and their negative effects on one’s life. Love friendship more than money; love true intelligence, regardless of status; love loyalty and servitude with intelligence even if in somebody you consider beneath you. The way of the world is to scorn an intelligent poor man but praise a fool of a rich man.
On children Sirach 7:23-26
I have always believed that the easiest way to heaven is through children and family, at least for those who are able to have them. The Lord tells us to love our neighbour above ourselves. His meaning was everybody including our nearest and dearest. The distinction we make is that even a child is your neighbour despite having a genetic association. It is simply a grace that they are under your care. A love of neighbour is to actively wish for the good of the other, even at your own expense. What better place to start than in your own home? We have a responsibility to guide all our neighbours, including those nearest and dearest to the straight and narrow.
On honoring Parents Sirach 7:27-31
The fourth commandment is not to be treated lightly. It was chosen as the most important commandment in regard to our relations with other human beings or collectively “our neighbours”. The three preceding commandments dwell on our relationship with God. The question asked is how we can repay the gift of life to our parents? Within the bounds of reason and respect for human dignity, respect them as best you can.
In the commandments, respect for parents comes with a promise; “that your days on earth may be blessed and fruitful”. Respect them as best you can, despite any misgivings, you may have.
The church, its ministers, and especially its work should never be ignored. As much as you can, help those that dedicate their lives to shepherding humanity to the almighty.
There is much to say here, however, I refer you to look for the corporal and spiritual works of mercy based on Matthew 25:31-46. Please research these. Don’t forge ahead without doing so.
On interacting with the rich Sirach 8:1-2
Interact with the rich and powerful as you must. A lion has no business with a lamb. If they are driven by the thirst for wisdom and godliness, then they are like you and worthy of further interaction. If not, don’t contend with them, and certainly don’t befriend them, you are certain to end up with the shorter end of the stick.
View more Images here