Ben Sira, also known as Sirach or the Wisdom of Jesus son of Sirach (written around 200-175 BCE), isn't part of the Hebrew Bible canon for everyone, but it's considered part of the Apocrypha by some and is deeply influential. It’s filled with practical and ethical advice, and this particular passage, Ben Sira 34, hits hard on justice and divine impartiality.
The text starts with a stark warning: "Bribe not, for he will not receive; And trust not upon a sacrifice of oppression." In other words, don't even think about trying to buy God off. You can't offer a fancy sacrifice, especially if it's funded by injustice, and expect to get away with wrongdoing. Why? Because, as Ben Sira tells us, "he is a God of judgment; And with him is no respect of persons." This isn't a God swayed by wealth or status. No respect of persons. It cuts through so much of what we see in the world, doesn't it?
The passage continues, "He will not shew favour toward the poor; And he will hear the supplication of the afflicted." Now, this might sound a bit harsh at first. God doesn't favor the poor just because they're poor. But the key here is that God will hear the prayers of those who are suffering. It's not about favoritism, it's about justice. It’s about hearing the genuine cries of those in need.
And it gets even more poignant: "He will not reject the cry of the fatherless; And of the widow, when she maketh much complaint." The fatherless and the widow were among the most vulnerable in ancient society, often without any means of support or protection. Their cries, their complaints – God hears them. He doesn't turn away. This is a powerful statement about God's concern for the marginalized.
Then comes this heart-wrenching question: "Do not tears run down the cheek? Doth she not sigh because of her miseries?" It’s a rhetorical question, of course. The answer is a resounding YES. Ben Sira paints a vivid picture of suffering, reminding us of the very real pain experienced by those who are struggling.
The passage concludes with a description of the widow's lament: "Bitterness that is well-pleasing is her lamentation: Her cry hasteth to the clouds." This is a bit tricky to unpack. The Hebrew is debated here, with some translations differing (noted in the original text with "(H)"). But the core idea is that even in bitterness, there’s something "well-pleasing" to God in the honest expression of grief and pain. It's a raw, unfiltered cry that ascends to the heavens. God isn't looking for polished prayers from the powerful. He’s listening for the authentic cries of the brokenhearted. Her cry "hasteth to the clouds" – it rises quickly, unhindered, straight to God.
So, what's the takeaway here? I think it's a powerful reminder that true justice isn't about wealth, status, or empty rituals. It's about genuine compassion, about hearing the cries of the vulnerable, and about a God who sees beyond the surface and into the heart. It challenges us to examine our own actions and motivations. Are we trying to "bribe" our way through life? Or are we listening to the cries of those around us and working towards a more just world? It’s a question worth pondering, isn't it?