That moment where you think, "I've got this. I'm in control"? We all do. It's part of being human. But what happens when that feeling tips over into arrogance, into a belief that our own strength is the only thing that matters?
That's precisely what the wisdom of Ben Sira cautions us against. It's a short, sharp warning: "Stay not upon thy strength (or wealth); And say not, It is in the power of my hand."
Simple, right? But let's unpack that for a moment.
Ben Sira, also known as Sirach, was a sage living in Jerusalem around 200 BCE. His book, part of the Apocrypha, is a treasure trove of practical and ethical advice, offering guidance on everything from friendship to business to how to raise your kids. And he wasn't afraid to pull any punches.
This particular verse cuts right to the heart of a very human tendency: to take all the credit. To look at our accomplishments, our possessions, and puff ourselves up with pride, forgetting that we’re not an island. We didn't get here alone.
The warning against relying on "strength or wealth" is particularly interesting. It covers both the physical and the material. Are we so strong that we are immune to the vulnerabilities of life? Or are we so wealthy that we are independent of community and of God?
Think about it. How often do we attribute our success solely to our own hard work, intelligence, or sheer grit? We tell ourselves (and others) that "we made it happen." While hard work and talent are definitely important, it's easy to forget the role that luck, privilege, and the help of others play. And ultimately, the gifts with which we're endowed come from somewhere, don't they?
It's not saying that effort doesn't matter. Not at all. What it is saying is that our strength and our wealth are not the ultimate source of our power. There’s a bigger picture, a higher power, call it what you will. To think that everything is "in the power of my hand" is to deny that bigger picture, to cut ourselves off from a deeper source of strength and meaning.
So, what’s the alternative? Humility. Gratitude. Recognizing that we are part of something larger than ourselves. Acknowledging the blessings in our lives, both big and small.
It's a constant balancing act, isn't it? Taking responsibility for our actions, striving for success, while also staying grounded and remembering where it all comes from.
Perhaps, the next time you feel that surge of self-reliance, take a moment. Acknowledge your accomplishments. But also, remember the words of Ben Sira. Remember that true strength lies not in claiming all the power for ourselves, but in recognizing the source of that power in the first place. What are you grateful for today? Who helped you get where you are? Food for thought, isn't it?