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Sirach
The Book of the All-Virtuous Wisdom of Joshua ben Sira[1] (pron.: /ˈsaɪræk/), commonly called the Wisdom of Sirach or simply Sirach, and also known as The Book Ecclesiasticus (/ɨˌkliːziˈæstɪkəs/) or Siracides (/saɪˈræsɨdiːz/) (abbreviated Ecclus.[2]) or Ben Sira,[3] is a work from the early 2nd century B.C. (approximately 200-175 B.C.) written by the Jewish scribe Joshua ben Sirach of Jerusalem. The book was not accepted into the Hebrew Bible and as a result the original Hebrew text was not preserved in the Jewish canon. However, various original Hebrew versions have since been recovered.
There are numerous citations of Sirach in the Talmud and works of rabbinic literature (as "ספר בן סירא", e.g., Hagigah 13a). Despite not finding ultimate acceptance into the scriptural canon of Judaism, it was read as scripture by some Jews. For instance, it was included in the canon of the Jewish Septuagint, the 2nd century BC Greek version of the Jewish scriptures used by Diaspora Jews. Sirach is accepted as part of the Christian biblical canon by Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican,[4] and most Oriental Orthodox but not by most Protestants. The Greek Church Fathers also called it the "All-Virtuous Wisdom", while the Latin Church Fathers, beginning with Cyprian,[5] termed it Ecclesiasticus because it was frequently read in churches, leading to the title liber ecclesiasticus (Latin and Latinised Greek for "church book").
In Egypt, it was translated into Greek by the author's grandson, who added a prologue. The Prologue to the Book of the All-Virtuous Wisdom of Joshua ben Sirach is generally considered the earliest witness to a canon of the books of the prophets, and thus the date of the text as we have it is the subject of intense scrutiny.
Quotes·Quotations by Sirach
Responsibility to Parents
¶ Whoever respects a father will in turn be happy with children, the day he prays for help, he will be heard. [Ecclesiasticus 3,5]
¶ Those who respect their father will live a long life; those who obey the Lord honor their mother. [Sirach 3,6]
¶ Kindness to a father will not be forgotten; it will serve as a sin offering—it will take lasting root. [Sirach 3,14]
The Rewards of Wisdom
¶ Wisdom teaches her children and admonishes all who can understand her. [Sirach 4,11]
¶ Those who love her love life; those who seek her out win the LORD’s favor. [Sirach 4,12]
¶ Those who hold her fast will attain glory, and they shall abide in the blessing of the LORD. [Sirach 4,13]
¶ Those who serve her serve the Holy One; those who love her the Lord loves. [Sirach 4,14]
¶ Whoever obeys me will judge nations; whoever listens to me will dwell in my inmost chambers. [Sirach 4,15]
¶ If they remain faithful, they will possess me; their descendants too will inherit me. [Sirach 4,16]
¶ I will walk with them in disguise, and at first I will test them with trials. Fear and dread I will bring upon them and I will discipline them with my constraints. When their hearts are fully with me, then I will set them again on the straight path and reveal my secrets to them. [Sirach 4,17-18]
¶ But if they turn away from me, I will abandon them and deliver them over to robbers. [Sirach 4,19]
True Friendship
¶ Pleasant speech multiplies friends, and gracious lips, friendly greetings. [Sirach 6,5]
Notes
[1]^ Or "…of Joshua son of Sirach", the literal translation of ben.
[2]^ [1]
[3]^ http://www.biblestudytools.com/nrsa/ben-sira/
[4]^ http://prayerbook.ca/the-prayer-book-online/129-tables-of-lessons-page-xvi
[5]^ Testimonia, ii. 1; iii. 1, 35, 51, 95, et passim
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirach