Ben Sira, also known as Sirach or the Wisdom of Jesus son of Sirach, is a book of ethical teachings. It’s part of the Apocrypha, writings that are considered canonical by some Christians but not by Jews. But even if it's not in the Hebrew Bible, it contains profound and practical advice, and this particular section, which we'll call Ben Sira 7, is all about humility and how to treat others with respect.
First, it says, "Esteem not thyself among the men of thy people." In other words, don't think you're better than anyone else. Remember, "wrath will not tarry." Bad things can happen when you let pride take over. It’s a pretty straightforward warning against arrogance.
Then comes a real zinger: "Abase pride very exceedingly; For the hope of man is the worm." Whoa. Heavy stuff, right? What does it mean? Well, it's a stark reminder of our mortality. No matter how high and mighty we get, eventually, we all return to the earth. Our ultimate destiny, if we allow pride to consume us, is to become worm food. It’s a humbling thought.
Next, Ben Sira tells us, "Be not in haste to say, A breach is upon me; Commit thyself unto God, and delight in his way." Don't jump to conclusions when things go wrong. Instead, trust in God and find joy in following His path. This is about faith and resilience in the face of adversity. Easier said than done, right?
Now, let's talk about relationships. "Exchange not a friend at a price; Neither a brother that is attached for gold of Ophir." Don't sell out your friends or family for money, even if it's a king's ransom from the legendary land of Ophir. Some say Ophir was located in Africa, others in India. Regardless, we're talking serious money. True friendship and familial bonds are more valuable than any material wealth. Think about the people in your life who truly matter. Are you treating them accordingly?
And what about the women in our lives? "Despise not a wise wife; Seeing she is well-favoured above rubies." A wise woman is a treasure. Don't take her for granted. Recognize her worth. In a time when women were often undervalued, this is a powerful statement about appreciating the intelligence and value of a good wife.
Finally, Ben Sira addresses how we treat those who work for us: "Evil entreat not a servant that laboureth truly; Nor a hireling that giveth his soul." Don't mistreat your employees. Treat them with respect and fairness. The phrase "giveth his soul" suggests someone who is fully dedicated to their work. They deserve our gratitude and fair compensation.
So, what's the takeaway from all this? It’s really about living a life of humility, gratitude, and respect. It's about remembering our place in the world, valuing our relationships, and treating everyone with dignity, no matter their status. It's about striving to be a better person, day by day. And isn't that something we can all aspire to?