That tension is something the ancient wisdom tradition wrestled with, too. And it's something we find echoed in the Book of Ben Sira.
This book, also known as Sirach or the Wisdom of Jesus ben Sirach, offers a treasure trove of practical and spiritual advice. It’s not part of the Hebrew Bible as we know it, but it is considered part of the Apocrypha, and is valued by many for its ethical teachings. Today, we're diving into some of its core ideas, specifically from the first chapter.
"Attend to and act upon all my words, that you may be written in the book of life."
Doesn’t that just resonate deep down? The idea that our actions, our very attention, have the power to inscribe us in some cosmic record. It's a powerful image, this "book of life," reminding us that our lives are a story being written, moment by moment.
But how do we ensure we're writing a story worth telling?
Ben Sira offers a clue: "Love the fear of the Lord, that your heart may be happy and do not fear." Now, that phrase "fear of the Lord" (yirat Adonai) can be easily misunderstood. It's not about cowering in terror. It’s about a deep respect, an awe, a recognition of something greater than ourselves. It’s about aligning ourselves with goodness and truth. And paradoxically, Ben Sira suggests that this reverence is the path to true joy. When we align ourselves with something bigger than ourselves, we become free from petty fears.
Then comes a call to action: "Draw near and do not distance yourself, that your soul may live. And in your drawing near, be like a hero and a warrior." Don't hold back. Don't stand on the sidelines. Engage fully with life, with your faith, with your purpose. But with the strength and courage of a hero. That's what it means to truly live.
But what about when that path gets difficult? When we’re pulled in different directions?
"My child, do not fail in fearing the Lord, and do not approach God with attention divided (lit. a heart and a heart)." This idea of having "a heart and a heart" speaks to the problem of being double-minded, of trying to serve two masters. It’s about integrity. It's about being wholehearted in our commitment. Can we truly connect with the Divine, or with anything of true value, if we’re constantly hedging our bets?
Ben Sira also warns us, "Give no weight to human regard, and be most careful with your speech." This is a tough one, isn’t it? How often do we tailor our words, our actions, to win the approval of others? Ben Sira suggests that true integrity demands we prioritize truth over popularity.
And finally, a word of caution: "Do not alter God's word and have no fear, lest you bring a curse on your soul." We need to be careful about twisting teachings to suit our own desires or agendas. We are called to engage honestly with the wisdom we inherit.
So, as we reflect on these ancient words, perhaps we can ask ourselves: Are we acting in ways that will write us into that "book of life"? Are we drawing near, with the courage of a warrior? Are we living with a single, whole heart? And are we honoring the wisdom we've been given?
These aren’t easy questions, but they are worth wrestling with. Because ultimately, the story of our lives is ours to write. And with a little bit of wisdom, a little bit of courage, and a whole lot of heart, we can create a story that is truly worth telling.