Ben Sira, that wise sage whose words echo through the ages, offers us a powerful insight in his teachings. He tells us, "He that feareth the Lord shall discern judgement; And shall bring forth counsels from twilight." (Ben Sira 32). Or, as another version puts it, "They that fear the Lord shall discern his judgement; And they shall bring forth much wisdom from their heart."
Think about that "twilight" image for a moment. It's that liminal space, that in-between time when day and night blur. It's a time of uncertainty, perhaps even a little bit of fear. But Ben Sira suggests that yirat Hashem, that sense of awe and reverence for the Divine, isn't about cowering in fear. Instead, it's the key to unlocking clarity. It allows us to extract wise counsel even from the most confusing and shadowy moments. It's from our heart that wisdom springs.
But what happens when we don't approach the world with that sense of reverence? Ben Sira has some thoughts on that, too. "A man of violence will wrest reproofs; And will draw the law after his need." In other words, a person driven by ego and force will twist everything – even the law itself – to suit their own desires.
It's a stark contrast, isn't it? The person of violence, driven by selfish desires, versus the one who fears the Lord, guided by wisdom and a sense of something larger than themselves.
And what about sharing that wisdom? Ben Sira emphasizes the importance of speaking up. "A wise man will not conceal wisdom; And a scorner will not keep his tongue." Wisdom is meant to be shared, to benefit the community. The wise person understands this, while the scorner, filled with arrogance, lets their words run wild.
This idea of integrity extends to all aspects of our lives. Ben Sira warns, "A wise man will not take a bribe: One that is proud and a scorner will not keep the law." A bribe, in the literal sense, but also metaphorically. The truly wise person isn't swayed by personal gain or the praise of others. They stand firm in their principles, guided by yirat Hashem and a commitment to justice.
And finally, Ben Sira offers some practical advice: "Without counsel do not anything; And after thy doings vex not thyself." Think before you act! Seek advice from wise and trusted sources. And once you've made a decision, don't torture yourself with endless second-guessing. Learn from the experience, and move forward.
So, where does this leave us? Ben Sira's words are a call to cultivate yirat Hashem, not as a source of fear, but as a wellspring of wisdom and discernment. It's about recognizing that we are part of something bigger than ourselves, and that our actions have consequences. It’s about seeking counsel, acting with integrity, and sharing our wisdom with the world. Easy to say, harder to do, right? But perhaps that's the point. The journey towards wisdom is a lifelong pursuit. It is a continuous striving to bring light into the twilight, and to live a life guided by purpose, compassion, and a deep respect for all that is.