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Verse 5
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 2:5

John Chrysostom

John Chrysostom4th century

Tribulation serves to refine those who endure it, for 'tribulation produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope' (Rom. 5:3-5). This process demonstrates that the perseverance shaped by tribulation instills in us a hopeful outlook for what lies ahead, and facing challenges encourages us to cultivate positive expectations for the future. Therefore, it is not unreasonable to assert that these hardships provide us with confidence in the promise of the resurrection and enhance the character of those who face trials: 'as gold is tested in the fire,’ so is the individual refined in 'the furnace of humility.’ Furthermore, it is written, 'My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him' (Proverbs 3:11). He who places gold in the furnace understands exactly how long it needs to remain there and when to remove it. The wise exhortation reminds us: 'Do not be troubled by the time of trial' (Sir. 2:2), a sentiment echoed by Solomon in his warning against being weighed down by divine discipline. Tribulation is significant; it cultivates courage and teaches the virtue of patience. However, one might question the capacity to withstand excessive trials. 'God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it' (1 Cor. 10:13).