The ancient wisdom of Ben Sira grapples with this very tension, reminding us what truly makes a person honorable. And it might not be what you think.

"Pride is not becoming of humans, nor impudence & anger to those born of women," Ben Sira tells us right off the bat. It's a powerful opening, connecting us to our shared humanity. We're all born of women, and none of us are above the need for humility. Impudence and anger? Definitely not the way to go.

But what does make us honorable? Is it birthright? Wealth? Power? Ben Sira challenges these assumptions head-on.

He asks: "What kind of offspring is honorable? A man's offspring. Offspring who fear the Lord." Now, "fear of the Lord" doesn't mean cowering in terror. Think of it more as a deep reverence, a profound respect for something greater than ourselves. It’s about living with integrity, knowing that our actions have consequences. And honorable offspring? They keep the commandments, living a life guided by ethical principles.

Flip that coin, and you get: "What kind of offspring is dishonorable? A man's offspring. Dishonorable offspring who transgress the commandments." It’s not enough just to be born into a certain family or social status. It’s about the choices we make, the path we choose to walk.

Now, leadership comes into play. "Amongst brothers [kin] their leader is honorable, and the fear the Lord is in his people.” A true leader, according to Ben Sira, inspires reverence and guides with integrity. Their actions reflect that "fear of the Lord," that deep respect for ethical living.

But here's where it gets really interesting. Ben Sira broadens the scope, including those often marginalized: "Immigrant and stranger, foreigner and poor person— their boast is fear of the Lord.” Think about that. Those on the fringes, those without inherent power or status… their true strength, their true honor, lies in their reverence, in their commitment to something bigger. It's a powerful reminder that honor isn't about privilege; it's about character.

And then comes a vital instruction: "Do not denigrate an intelligent poor person, and do not glorify a sinful man who has risen.” Don't look down on someone just because they lack material wealth, especially if they possess wisdom and understanding. And conversely, don't blindly admire someone simply because they've achieved worldly success, particularly if that success came at the cost of ethical behavior.

It's a call for discernment, isn't it? To look beyond the surface, to judge people not by their possessions or their position, but by the content of their character.

Ben Sira’s wisdom cuts through the noise and reminds us that true honor isn’t about status or power. It’s about humility, integrity, and reverence. It’s about living a life guided by ethical principles, regardless of our circumstances. And that's a tightrope worth walking.