Ben Sira, in his wisdom, gives us a glimpse into their lives. He reminds us that piety and significance aren't confined to kings and prophets.
"He is busied with oxen, and leadeth about cattle," Ben Sira tells us, painting a picture of the everyday farmer (Ben Sira 44). Imagine the scene: the sun rising, the air filled with the sounds of the barnyard, and the farmer, deeply connected to the land and his animals. It wasn’t just a job; it was a way of life. "And his discourses are with bullocks," Ben Sira adds. He understands these creatures, speaks their language, and depends upon them for his family's sustenance.
"And his wakefulness is to victual the stall," meaning his dedication extends beyond the daylight hours. He ensures his animals are fed and cared for, a testament to his responsibility and compassion. "He setteth his heart to plough furrows." His focus is on the work, the physical labor of preparing the earth, a humble task, perhaps, but one that is fundamental to the well-being of the community.
And it's not just the farmers! Ben Sira also nods to "Likewise the artificer... Which by night is busied." Think of the artisans, the craftspeople who poured their skill and creativity into their work, often laboring long into the night. The carpenter shaping wood, the potter molding clay... these were the people who built and beautified the world around them.
These people, these farmers and artisans... their lives were not filled with grand pronouncements or miraculous deeds, at least not the kind that make it into history books. But their quiet dedication, their connection to the land, their skill in crafting objects of beauty and utility—that was their legacy. That was their form of piety.
And Ben Sira concludes with a powerful intention: "I wish to praise the pious men, our ancestors in their generations."
Why is this important? Because it’s easy to get caught up in the stories of the famous and powerful, to forget the ordinary people who make up the fabric of society. Ben Sira reminds us to look around, to appreciate the quiet acts of devotion, the unsung heroes who contribute to the world in their own unique ways.
So, the next time you pass a farm, or see a beautifully crafted object, take a moment to think about the people behind it. Remember their dedication, their hard work, and their quiet contribution to the tapestry of our shared history. They, too, are part of the story.