Ben Sira, that wise sage from way back when, would tell you that’s a dangerous game indeed.
He cuts right to the heart of things: "For mercy and anger are with him; And his displeasure shall rest upon the wicked." It's a powerful image, isn't it? This idea that divine patience isn't infinite. It's a balance. Mercy exists, absolutely, but so does consequence. The wicked, the ones who actively choose a path away from righteousness, they're the ones who risk facing that displeasure.
And what does Ben Sira tell us to do about it? He doesn’t mince words. "Make no tarrying to turn unto him; And put not off from day to day." Don’t delay! Don't procrastinate on doing what’s right. It's so easy, isn't it, to say "I'll get to it tomorrow." "I'll apologize later." "I'll make amends… eventually." But Ben Sira warns us against this dangerous postponement.
Why the urgency? "For suddenly shall his indignation go forth; And in the day of vengeance thou shalt perish." It's a stark reminder of our mortality, of the unpredictable nature of life. Tomorrow isn't guaranteed. The opportunity to set things right might vanish in an instant. That "day of vengeance," as Ben Sira calls it, could arrive sooner than we think. It’s not necessarily about divine retribution in a literal sense, but more about the natural consequences of our actions catching up to us.
And here's a piece of practical wisdom for navigating the material world: "Trust not on riches of falsehood; For they shall not profit in the day of wrath." Ill-gotten gains, wealth built on deceit and injustice, they offer no real security. They crumble when true reckoning comes. Think about it: what good is all the money in the world if your soul is bankrupt?
Then comes a bit of advice about being grounded: "Be not winnowing with every wind, And turning the way of the stream." Don't be swayed by every passing trend, every fleeting opinion. Winnowing is an agricultural term, referring to separating grain from chaff. Ben Sira is telling us to be discerning, to not be easily blown about by every new idea. Have your own internal compass.
And that leads to the next point: "Be assured in thine own mind; And let thy word be one." Integrity. Be true to yourself. Let your words align with your thoughts and actions. A person of integrity is a person of strength, a person who can be trusted.
Finally, Ben Sira offers guidance on communication: "Be swift to give ear; And with patience of spirit return answer." Listen first. Truly listen. Before you react, before you speak, take the time to understand. Respond with patience and understanding. It's a recipe for more meaningful connections, and fewer misunderstandings.
So, what does Ben Sira leave us with? A call to action, really. To live with intention, with integrity, and with an awareness of the preciousness of each moment. To not delay doing what we know is right. To listen deeply. To be true to ourselves. Perhaps it’s not about avoiding some cosmic wrath, but about living a life worthy of the mercy that’s always offered. A life where our actions resonate with our values. And isn't that a goal worth striving for, every single day?