Sirach
Deuterocanon · 13 sections · scripture: World English Bible
The longest book of wisdom in the Bible, and one whose author, unusually, tells us his own name. Near the end he gives it: Jesus, the son of Sirach Eleazar, of Jerusalem (Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua, or Yeshua, a common name). Jewish tradition calls him Ben Sira, "the son of Sira."
From the commentary's introduction to Sirach, written by an AI. All the scripture below is free to read; the commentary on each section is in the full edition.
- To Fear the Lord Is the Beginning of Wisdom": The Prologue, and the First Lessons Sirach 1–4
- A Faithful Friend Is a Strong Defense": Speech, Friendship, and Prudence Sirach 5–8
- Why Are Dirt and Ashes Proud?": Rulers, Honor, and Whom to Help Sirach 9–12
- Before Man Is Life and Death": Rich and Poor, and the Freedom to Choose Sirach 13–16
- The Mercy of the Lord Is on All Flesh": Creation, Repentance, and the Tongue Sirach 17–20
- O Lord, Father and Master of My Life": Fools, Friends, and a Prayer for a Guarded Mouth Sirach 21–23
- Let Your Dwelling Be in Jacob": Wisdom's Hymn, and Wives Good and Bad Sirach 24–26
- Forgive Your Neighbor the Hurt That He Has Done": Anger, Lending, Children, and the Table Sirach 27–31
- The Prayer of the Humble Pierces the Clouds": Feasts, Slaves, Dreams, and True Sacrifice Sirach 32–35
- Truly the Lord Has Created Him": A Prayer for Israel, the Physician, and the Scribe Sirach 36–39
- He Is Everything!": Death, Shame, Daughters, and the Works of the Lord Sirach 40–43
- Let Us Now Praise Famous Men": From Enoch to the Divided Kingdom Sirach 44–47
- Put Your Neck under the Yoke": Prophets, Simon the High Priest, and the Last Prayer Sirach 48–51