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Verse 10
Theosis · English Bible
Sirach

Sirach 2

Old TestamentTheosis · English Bible

1My son, if thou come to serve the Lord God, prepare thy soul for temptation. 2Set thy heart aright, and constantly endure, and make not haste in time of trouble. 3Cleave unto him, and depart not away, that thou mayest be increased at thy last end. 4Whatsoever is brought upon thee take cheerfully, and be patient when thou art changed to a low estate. 5For gold is tried in the fire, and acceptable men in the furnace of adversity. 6Believe in him, and he will help thee; order thy way aright, and trust in him. 7Ye that fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; and go not aside, lest ye fall. 8Ye that fear the Lord, believe him; and your reward shall not fail. 9Ye that fear the Lord, hope for good, and for everlasting joy and mercy. 10Look at the generations of old, and see; did ever any trust in the Lord, and was confounded? or did any abide in his fear, and was forsaken? or whom did he ever despise, that called upon him? 11For the Lord is full of compassion and mercy, longsuffering, and very pitiful, and forgiveth sins, and saveth in time of affliction. 12Woe be to fearful hearts, and faint hands, and the sinner that goeth two ways! 13Woe unto him that is fainthearted! for he believeth not; therefore shall he not be defended. 14Woe unto you that have lost patience! and what will ye do when the Lord shall visit you? 15They that fear the Lord will not disobey his word; and they that love him will keep his ways. 16They that fear the Lord will seek that which is wellpleasing unto him; and they that love him shall be filled with the law. 17They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and humble their souls in his sight, 18saying, We will fall into the hands of the Lord, and not into the hands of men: for as his majesty is, so is his mercy.

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Sirach 2:10

John Chrysostom

John Chrysostom4th century

"Cast your burdens upon the Lord, and He will uphold you" (Psalm 54:23). "Observe," states the sage, "the testimonies of ages past. Who trusted in the Lord and was disappointed? Who honored Him and was abandoned? Who called out to Him and was ignored? The One who has supported you through the overwhelming grief of your husband's passing and has granted you solace shall protect you from further anguish. You will surely agree that you will not face another tragedy. If you have endured this present sorrow with such fortitude, even in your inexperience, you will find it easier to withstand any future trial—may it never come to that. Therefore, pursue the heavenly and all that contributes to eternal life, and nothing in this world can harm you—not even the 'spiritual forces of evil' (Eph. 6:12)—provided you do not bring harm upon yourself. Even if someone were to take away your possessions or injure your body, these tribulations are insignificant as long as your spirit remains intact.

But you might say, 'I hoped and was put to shame.' Do not speak ill or contradict the divine Word; if shame has befallen you, it is likely due to a hope not fully grasped, or a weakness in waiting for the outcome. Do not falter; instead, when facing impending trials, maintain your courage. This perseverance itself is hope—standing resolutely amidst adversity."