And surprisingly, it’s not all about deprivation.
Ben Sira gets right to the point: "Do good to a friend before you die; and as your hand attains, give unto him." It’s a simple, powerful call to action. Don’t wait for the "perfect" moment, for some future date when you’re finally comfortable enough. Act now. Be generous now.
But there's a beautiful balance here. It’s not about sacrificing everything. Ben Sira also says, "Refuse not the day's good cheer." Enjoy life! Savor its pleasures. Just… don’t be greedy. "Encroach not upon a brother's portion," he warns. "And covet not the desirable things of a neighbor." It’s about finding that sweet spot between responsible generosity and mindful enjoyment.
Why the urgency? Because, let's face it, life is fleeting. "Shalt thou not leave thy riches to another?" Ben Sira asks, driving home the point. "And thy labor to them that cast lots?" All that striving, all that accumulating… eventually, it's all handed over. Someone else gets to decide what to do with it. Sounds a little sobering, right?
So, what’s the alternative? "Give to a brother (H), and let your soul fare delicately; For there is no seeking of luxury in Sheol." Sheol, in this context, refers to the afterlife, the realm of the dead. The message is clear: You can’t take it with you. You can't pursue "luxury" there. The time to make a difference, the time to experience true fulfillment, is now.
And it’s not just about grand gestures. "And whatsoever thing is seemly to do," Ben Sira urges, "Do it before God." It’s about living a life of integrity, of kindness, of doing what's right simply because it's the right thing to do. It's a constant call to action.
Because, ultimately, everything fades. "All flesh waxeth old as a garment," Ben Sira reminds us. "And the everlasting decree is, They shall surely perish." It’s a stark reminder of our mortality. Everything is temporary.
So, what truly matters? It’s not the size of your bank account, or the number of possessions you accumulate. It’s the impact you have on the world, the love you share, the good you do. Ben Sira invites us to reflect on what we truly value, and to live a life that reflects those values, today. Because tomorrow… well, tomorrow isn't guaranteed, is it?