That sense of, "Oof, maybe I shouldn't have had that third helping?" Turns out, ancient wisdom had something to say about that long, long ago.
The Book of Ben Sira, a text from around the 2nd century BCE and part of the Apocrypha, gets right to the point. "For in much luxury," it tells us, "nesteth sickness; and he that surfeiteth shall come nigh to loathing."
Pretty direct. It's a simple observation, really. Overdoing it with rich foods (the text literally says "M food," whatever specific delicacies they had in mind back then!) can lead to illness. And continually indulging to excess? Well, that can lead to a real aversion, a true loathing of the very things you once enjoyed. – that favorite dessert you can barely look at after eating it every single day for a week. We've all been there, haven't we?
Ben Sira doesn’t stop there. The next line drives the point home even harder. "By intemperance many perish utterly." The text acknowledges that a lot of people are going to die because of a lack of self-control. A pretty dire prognosis, but not unfounded. "But he that taketh heed shall add to life." It’s a powerful encouragement to pay attention, to be mindful of our bodies and our choices.
It's a stark contrast, isn't it? Indulgence leading to sickness and even death, versus moderation leading to a longer, healthier life. It's a message that resonates just as strongly today, in our world of readily available abundance, as it did millennia ago. It’s really less about deprivation and more about mindful consumption.
And then, Ben Sira shifts gears, adding another layer to the conversation. "Honour a physician before need of him; Him also hath God apportioned." Interesting, isn't it? After discussing the dangers of overindulgence and the benefits of temperance, the text brings in the importance of doctors.
The verse encourages us to give respect to medical practitioners even when we don’t need them. Why? Because even their ability to heal, Ben Sira suggests, is part of God's plan, something "apportioned" or allotted by the Divine. It’s a reminder that health isn't just about our individual choices; it's also about recognizing and appreciating the role of those who help us when things go wrong.
It’s almost like Ben Sira is saying: “Yes, take care of yourself. Practice moderation. But also, recognize that we're not always in control. There’s a place for medical wisdom, and a need to respect those who offer it.”
So, what's the takeaway here? Perhaps it's a gentle nudge to find balance. To enjoy the good things in life, but with awareness and restraint. To honor the wisdom of our bodies and the expertise of those who can help us when we need it. After all, taking heed – paying attention – might just add years to our lives, and life to our years.