Summary of Sirach
The Book of Sirach, also known as Ecclesiasticus, is a work of ethical and theological wisdom from the period between the Old and New Testaments. Written by a Jewish scribe named Jesus son of Sirach, it offers a comprehensive guide to living a faithful and successful life grounded in the fear of the Lord and the observance of the Torah.
Sirach 1:14"To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; she is created with the faithful in the womb."
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Overview of Sirach
Composed in Jerusalem around 180 B.C., Sirach represents a major effort to demonstrate the enduring relevance of Israel's ancestral faith in a world increasingly dominated by Greek (Hellenistic) culture. The author, Ben Sira, argues that true wisdom is not found in foreign philosophies but is identical to the Law of Moses. The book is a collection of poems, proverbs, and instructions covering a vast range of topics, from family life and friendship to business ethics and the worship of God.
Structure of Sirach
The Pursuit of Wisdom and Righteous Living (1 - 23)
The Fear of the Lord (1 - 2) → Duties and Relationships (3 - 13) → Wealth, Speech, and Sin (14 - 23)
This first major part of the book lays the foundation that true wisdom begins with fearing God and obeying His law. Ben Sira then applies this principle to various aspects of daily life, including family relationships, social conduct, the dangers of wealth, and the importance of self-control.
The Praise of Wisdom and God's Creation (24 - 43)
Wisdom's Self-Praise (24) → Practical Counsel (25 - 35) → Prayer and Praise of Creation (36 - 43)
This section features a powerful poem where Wisdom speaks in the first person, identifying herself with the Law of Moses. The author follows this with more practical advice on various topics, culminating in a magnificent hymn praising God's glory as revealed throughout the natural world.
Praise of the Ancestors of Israel (44 - 50)
Enoch to Joseph (44 - 49) → Simon the High Priest (50)
Ben Sira concludes his work by recounting the history of Israel's heroes, from Enoch to his own contemporary, the high priest Simon. This 'hall of fame' serves as a series of examples, demonstrating how faith and obedience to God's covenant lead to a legacy of honor.
Author's Epilogue and Hymn (51)
A Psalm of Thanksgiving (51:1-12) → An Invitation to Wisdom (51:13-30)
The book ends with a personal psalm of thanksgiving from Ben Sira for God's deliverance and a final acrostic poem encouraging students to come to his school and acquire wisdom, which is available to all who seek it.
How to Read Sirach
Read Sirach as a wisdom manual, similar to Proverbs, but with a more structured theological argument. It is not a narrative to be read from start to finish, but a collection of teachings to be meditated upon. Pay attention to how the author connects everyday ethical choices with the great themes of Israel's Law and history.
- The Fear of the Lord: Notice how this phrase is the foundation for all true wisdom and right living.
- Cause and Effect: The author frequently contrasts the path of the wise with the path of the fool, showing the natural consequences of each.
- Wisdom and Torah: Observe how Ben Sira consistently identifies personified Wisdom with the Law of Moses, arguing that God's revealed law is the ultimate source of wisdom.
Key Takeaway
Sirach urges us to bring faith into all parts of life. It argues that true wisdom is not found in abstract philosophy but in the 'fear of the Lord' - a reverent obedience to God's covenant and law (the Torah). By grounding practical, everyday ethics in Israel's sacred traditions and history, Ben Sira provides a timeless guide for living a righteous, honorable, and wise life.
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The best way to understand Sirach is to start reading. Our guide to Chapter 1 breaks down the creation story, its key themes, and its theological importance.
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