Ben Sira, that wise sage from centuries ago, had some thoughts on that very feeling. He says, "He that hateth the law shall not be wise; And he is moved as…tossed with tempest (?)." What happens when we disregard wisdom, when we turn away from the teachings that could guide us? We become vulnerable. Like a ship without a rudder, vulnerable to every gust of wind, every crashing wave.
But there's an alternative. "A man of discernment discerneth a matter; And his law....... <strong></strong>*" (Sadly, a bit of the original text is missing here, but we get the gist.) When we cultivate discernment, when we seek understanding, we gain a foothold. We can navigate those turbulent waters.
And it's not just about avoiding the storms. It's about how we live, how we give. "In all thy works (H) shew a bright countenance; And dedicate thy tithe with gladness." Do you ever think about how you give? Is it grudgingly, like a chore? Or with joy, with a "bright countenance"? Ben Sira suggests that our attitude matters. The act of giving, whether it's a tithe – a tenth of our earnings – or any other form of generosity, should be infused with happiness.
Why? Because it's not just about the recipient. It's about us. It's about aligning ourselves with the divine. "Give to God (?) according as he hath given to thee; With goodness of eye, and as thy hand hath found (?)." We give because we have received. We give with a generous spirit, a tov ayin (טוב עין), a "good eye," recognizing the abundance in our own lives.
And here's the kicker: "For he is a God that recompenseth; And sevenfold will he return unto thee." Now, this isn't about expecting a direct, transactional reward. It's about recognizing that generosity creates a cycle of blessing. When we give, we open ourselves up to receive. It's about living in a state of gratitude and abundance.
Finally, Ben Sira drives the point home: "He that giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord; And who is a rewarder but he (M S)?" Giving to the poor isn't just charity; it's an investment in something far greater. It's a loan to the Divine. And who is more trustworthy to repay that loan?
So, what does it all mean? Maybe it's about living with intention, with wisdom, and with a generous heart. Maybe it's about recognizing the interconnectedness of it all – that our actions, our attitudes, and our giving all ripple outwards, creating a world that is either more turbulent or more blessed. And maybe, just maybe, we have a say in which it will be.