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Verse 15
Theosis · English Bible
Sirach

Sirach 18

Old TestamentTheosis · English Bible

1He that liveth for ever created all things in general. 2The Lord only is righteous. 3He holds the world in the span of His hand, and all obeys His will; for He is King over all with His power, and He separates the sacred from the profane within it. 4To none hath he given power to declare his works; and who shall find out his noble acts? 5Who shall number the strength of his majesty? and who shall also tell out his mercies? 6As for the wondrous works of the Lord, there may nothing be taken from them, neither may any thing be put unto them, neither can the ground of them be found out. 7When a man hath done, then he beginneth; and when he leaveth off, then he shall be doubtful. 8What is man, and whereto serveth he; what is his good, and what is his evil? 9The number of a man's days at the most is an hundred years. 10As a drop of water unto the sea, and a gravel-stone in comparison of the sand; so are a thousand years to the days of eternity. 11Therefore is God patient with them, and poureth forth his mercy upon them. 12He saw and perceived their end to be evil; therefore he multiplied his compassion. 13The mercy of man is toward his neighbour; but the mercy of the Lord is upon all flesh: he reproveth, and nurtureth, and teacheth, and bringeth again, as a shepherd his flock. 14He hath mercy on them that receive discipline, and that diligently seek after his judgments. 15My son, blemish not thy good deeds, neither use uncomfortable words when thou givest any thing. 16Shall not the dew assuage the heat? so is a word better than a gift. 17Lo, is not a word better than a gift? but both are with a gracious man. 18A fool will upbraid churlishly, and a gift of the envious consumeth the eyes. 19Learn before thou speak, and use physic or ever thou be sick. 20Before judgment examine thyself, and in the day of visitation thou shalt find mercy. 21Humble thyself before thou be sick, and in the time of sins shew repentance. 22Let nothing hinder thee to pay thy vow in due time, and defer not until death to be justified. 23Before thou prayest, prepare thyself; and be not as one that tempteth the Lord. 24Think upon the wrath that shall be at the end, and the time of vengeance, when he shall turn away his face. 25When thou hast enough, remember the time of hunger: and when thou art rich, think upon poverty and need. 26From the morning until the evening the time is changed, and all things are soon done before the Lord. 27A wise man will fear in every thing, and in the day of sinning he will beware of offence: but a fool will not observe time. 28Every man of understanding knoweth wisdom, and will give praise unto him that found her. 29They that had understanding in sayings became also wise themselves, and poured forth exquisite parables. 30Go not after thy lusts, but refrain thyself from thine appetites. 31If thou givest thy soul the desires that please her, she will make thee a laughingstock to thine enemies that malign thee. 32Take not pleasure in much good cheer, neither be tied to the expence thereof. 33Be not made a beggar by banqueting upon borrowing, when thou hast nothing in thy purse.

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Sirach 18:15

John Chrysostom

John Chrysostom4th century

When the crowd witnesses someone who is indifferent to riches, they quickly assert that such a person has the ability to manage wealth. However, mere generosity is insufficient; while it is essential, without it, one could become more of a destroyer than a benefactor, resembling a wolf rather than a shepherd. Moreover, another vital trait is necessary—patience, which is the foundation of all good for humanity. It calms the soul and brings it to a place of peace. In their struggles, widows, due to their poverty, age, and gender, often display an excessive boldness, voicing their grievances at inappropriate times, making baseless accusations, lamenting things for which they should give thanks, and criticizing when they ought to offer praise. The leader must endure these odd requests with courage, remaining unperturbed by their impulsive demands or thoughtless accusations. It is crucial to show compassion in their trials and avoid adding insult to their misfortune. A wise individual, aware of the selfish and proud tendencies in human nature and understanding how poverty can humiliate even the strongest spirits—leading to the shameless repetition of the same pleas—provides counsel that one should not react with anger at the desperate cries of the underprivileged nor allow irritation to turn them into adversaries instead of allies. He advises to be gentle and attentive, saying, "Incline your ear to the poor man without distress, and answer him affectionately, with gentleness" (Sir. 4:8). Recognizing the need to approach the struggling with a gracious demeanor, the superior should offer encouragement before any aid is provided, using kind words and a compassionate gaze.

Those who do not take from widows but hurl insults and reproach them not only fail to alleviate their suffering but worsen it through their harshness. Even if these women are compelled by hunger to set aside their feelings of shame, they still grieve this necessity. Thus, when hunger drives them to ask and they cast aside their dignity, their repeated pleas may still intensify their despair. A compassionate caregiver must strive to ensure that he does not deepen their sorrow through reproach but instead seeks to uplift them with comfort. Just as someone wronged does not appreciate their wealth when it is shrouded in strife, the one who has received kind words and consolation alongside assistance experiences a greater joy, for the act of giving becomes doubly rewarding when done with kindness. I share this not from my own thoughts but from the wisdom of the one who counseled us thus.

Often, comforting words can provide more solace to the needy than material gifts. Understanding this, let us refrain from showing anger towards those who approach us. If we have the means to assist, let us do so with joy, as if we have received more from them than we have given. If we cannot support them, let us at least refrain from harsh treatment—offering them a gentle word instead. Why then, should we treat them harshly? Do they demand anything of us? They approach us with respect, pleading for help, and such humility does not warrant cruelty. They present us with countless gifts simply for the chance of receiving something small in return; yet, we often hesitate to give even that. Can we truly expect forgiveness from God under these conditions? What defense can we offer when we prepare lavish meals for ourselves daily, exceeding our own needs, yet refuse to share even a morsel with the less fortunate? Our negligence is profound; we forfeit endless blessings for ourselves through such attitudes. We deny ourselves the pathways to salvation that God has provided, failing to recognize the significance of our small acts of charity and the immense rewards they yield, while instead we hoard our resources—allowing rust to consume our wealth, or worse, saving it for thieves. We let garments decay in moth-eaten silence, choosing not to distribute what lies unused around us, thus missing the chance to secure for ourselves immeasurable blessings. May we strive, through the grace and compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ, to attain these blessings, to whom be glory, power, and honor with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.