Category Archives: Sirach

Christian Reproof

Sirach 32:17 states: “The sinner will shun reproof, and will find a decision according to his liking” (NRSV). When I read this verse yesterday, it got me thinking about Christian reproof. Here’s my problem with it: A lot of time, … Continue reading

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Ramblings on Anonymity, Being Alone with God, and Forgiveness

Sirach 16:17 states (in the NRSV): “Do not say, “I am hidden from the Lord, and who from on high has me in mind? Among so many people I am unknown, for what am I in a boundless creation?” The … Continue reading

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Jesus ben Sira on Hanging Out with the Rich and Generosity

Some Jesus ben Sira passages stood out to me yesterday and today.  Allow me to quote  and to comment. 1.    Sirach 13:9-10 states (in the NRSV): “When an influential person invites you, be reserved, and he will invite you … Continue reading

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Jesus Ben Sira and Self-Esteem

I’ve been reading Jesus Ben Sira for my daily quiet time.  It is part of the Deuterocanonical writings, the books that Catholics accept as canonical but that Protestants and Jews do not.  Ben Sira’s book has been labelled “Ben Sira”, … Continue reading

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Completing the Anchor Bible Commentary on Ben Sira

I finished the Anchor Bible commentary on The Wisdom of Ben Sira.  In this post, I will discuss an item from my latest reading of this book, and then I will talk about another item that is from my previous … Continue reading

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Women; Fairness

I have two items for my write-up today on the Anchor Bible commentary on The Wisdom of Ben Sira. 1.  Patrick Skehan’s translation of Ben Sira 41:21c, 20b, and 22a says that one should be ashamed of the following: “Of … Continue reading

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An Orderly Mind?

For my write-up today on the Anchor Bible commentary on The Wisdom of Ben Sira, I will talk about Alexander Di Lella’s discussion of Ben Sira 33:4-6.  The passage says, according to Patrick Skehan’s translation: “Prepare your words and you … Continue reading

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Ben Sira on Adultery

For my write-up today on the Anchor Bible commentary on The Wisdom of Ben Sira, my focus will be on the topic of adultery.  The text is Ben Sira 23:18-26. Ben Sira 23:18 criticizes the “man who dishonors his marriage … Continue reading

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The Greeks and the Poor

For my write-up today on the Anchor Bible commentary on The Wisdom of Ben Sira, by Patrick Skehan (translator) and Alexander Di Lella (commentator), I will focus on what Di Lella says about Greek attitudes regarding the poor. Ben Sira … Continue reading

Posted in Greco-Roman, Political Philosophy, Religion, Sirach | 1 Comment

Canon

I started Alexander Di Lella’s Anchor Bible commentary on The Wisdom of Ben Sira.  (Patrick Skehan provided the translation and the notes, whereas Di Lella wrote the Introduction and the commentary.)  Di Lella contends that Jesus Ben Sira published his … Continue reading

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