The Good Use of Wealth: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Sirach 14

Executive Summary

Sirach 14, a profound meditation on the proper use of wealth, stands as a timeless guide for faithful living. The chapter stresses the futility of hoarding riches and champions generosity as a virtue aligned with God’s will. It contrasts the fleeting nature of earthly possessions with the enduring rewards of a life dedicated to good works and the fear of the Lord. It urges us to enjoy God’s blessings with gratitude and to extend these blessings to those in need. This commentary, rooted in Coptic Orthodox tradition, delves into each verse, exploring its spiritual depth, historical context, and practical implications for our contemporary lives, reminding us that true wealth lies not in what we possess, but in how we use it to glorify God and serve our neighbor. Understanding the *good use of wealth* transforms our perspective from selfish accumulation to selfless giving.

Introduction

Sirach, also known as Ecclesiasticus, provides practical wisdom applicable across generations. Chapter 14 focuses sharply on the use of wealth, urging a shift from self-centered accumulation to generous distribution. This is not a rejection of material blessings, but a call to steward them responsibly, reflecting God’s own generosity. This chapter resonates powerfully within the Coptic Orthodox tradition, which emphasizes both asceticism and active charity, recognizing that true spiritual growth lies in balancing detachment from worldly possessions with compassionate outreach to those in need. We’ll explore the rich layers of meaning within *Sirach 14*.

Commentary on Sirach 14

Verse 1 (KJV)

Blessed is the man that hath not slipped with his mouth, and is not pricked with the multitude of sins.

Verse 1 (NKJV)

Blessed is the man who does not stumble with his mouth, And is not harassed by the grief of sins.

This verse establishes a foundational principle: before we can even *consider* the *good use of wealth*, we must first cultivate inner righteousness. A controlled tongue and freedom from the “grief of sins” are prerequisites for true blessedness. The tongue, often described as “an unruly evil” (James 3:8), can cause immense damage through gossip, slander, and deceit. “Μακάριος ἀνὴρ ὃς οὐκ ἔσφαλεν ἐν στόματι αὐτοῦ, καὶ οὐ κατατετόνωται ἐν λύπῃ ἁμαρτιῶν” (Makarios anēr hos ouk esfalen en stomati autou, kai ou katatetōnotai en lypē hamartiōn) – *Blessed is the man who has not failed in his mouth and is not troubled by the sorrow of sins.* This echoes the Psalmist’s plea to God: “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3).

Spiritual Application: Before pursuing financial gain, cultivate inner discipline. Pray daily for the Holy Spirit to guide your words and actions, ensuring they align with God’s will. Strive for repentance and live a life of prayer.

Verse 2 (KJV)

Blessed is he that is condemned of his own conscience, and that is not hopeless in despair.

Verse 2 (NKJV)

Blessed is he who is condemned by his own conscience, And who has not given up hope.

Here, Sirach introduces a nuanced understanding of blessedness. It is not the absence of guilt, but the *presence* of a conscience that convicts us *and* the persistent hope for redemption that defines a truly blessed individual. A sensitive conscience acts as an internal compass, guiding us away from sin. The key is to not succumb to despair, recognizing God’s boundless mercy and grace. This connects to the Coptic Orthodox understanding of repentance (Metanoia), a continuous process of turning away from sin and towards God. Think of the parable of the Prodigal Son: his initial downfall was grave, but his hope-filled return led to profound forgiveness and restoration. The Fathers see conscience as the *nous* (νοῦς), the eye of the soul, able to distinguish good from evil when properly cleansed and enlightened by the Holy Spirit.

Spiritual Application: Embrace the conviction of your conscience as a gift, not a condemnation. Confess your sins regularly, seek absolution, and hold fast to the hope found in Christ’s sacrifice.

Verse 3 (KJV)

Blessed is he that is of an humble mind, and receiveth wisdom.

Verse 3 (NKJV)

Blessed is he who is humble-minded, And who receives wisdom.

Humility is presented as a gateway to wisdom. A proud heart resists instruction, clinging to its own limited understanding. Humility, on the other hand, creates space for God’s wisdom to enter. This wisdom isn’t merely intellectual knowledge, but a deep understanding of God’s will and how to live in accordance with it. This wisdom is found within the traditions of the church and the writings of the early church fathers, that can be found through services like website design. This echoes Proverbs 9:10: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” The humility spoken of here is not weakness, but strength under control. It’s the ability to recognize our limitations and seek guidance from God and others. St. Anthony the Great often spoke of the necessity of humility in the spiritual life, noting that pride blinds us to our own faults and prevents us from growing in virtue.

Spiritual Application: Cultivate humility in your thoughts, words, and actions. Be open to correction, seek advice from wise mentors, and pray for God to grant you wisdom.

Verse 4 (KJV)

He that keepeth the law is a wise son: and he that keepeth it well is a beloved son.

Verse 4 (NKJV)

He who keeps the law is a wise son, And he who holds it fast will be well regarded.

Obedience to God’s law is equated with wisdom and love. Keeping the law is not simply about adhering to a set of rules, but about aligning our will with God’s will. It demonstrates our love for Him and our commitment to living a life that pleases Him. This verse highlights the importance of both knowing the law and living it out in practice. “Ὁ φυλάσσων νόμον πληθύνει προσφοράς· ὁ φυλάσσων ἐντολὰς πληθύνει σωτηρίαν.” (Ho phulassōn nomon plēthunei prosphoras; ho phulassōn entolas plēthunei sōtērian.) *He who keeps the law multiplies offerings; he who keeps the commandments multiplies salvation.* The phrase “keeps it well” implies diligence and perseverance. It is not enough to simply know the law; we must strive to live it out fully in our daily lives.

Spiritual Application: Study God’s word regularly and seek to understand its application in your life. Strive to obey His commandments, not out of legalistic obligation, but out of love and gratitude.

Verses 5-7: The Miser’s Plight

Verse 5 (KJV)

He that laboureth, and is glutted therewith, shall not be justified.

Verse 5 (NKJV)

He who works hard and is full of food, will not be acquitted.

Verse 6 (KJV)

He that liveth riotously, and keepeth not the commandment, shall be cast down.

Verse 6 (NKJV)

He who lives in luxury and does not keep the commandment will be overthrown.

Verse 7 (KJV)

There is an ungodly man that heapeth up that which is not his own: but to whom will he heap it up?

Verse 7 (NKJV)

There is one who becomes rich through meanness, And this is the reward he receives:

Here, Sirach condemns those who prioritize material gain over spiritual well-being. Verse 5 suggests that laboring excessively and being “glutted therewith” — focused solely on the fruits of one’s labor — is not pleasing to God. It indicates a lack of perspective, where material gain becomes an end in itself, eclipsing spiritual growth and service to others. Verse 6 condemns those who live in “riotously,” ignoring God’s commandments. This links back to the earlier verses: a neglect of spiritual discipline leads to unbridled indulgence. Verse 7 presents a powerful image of the futility of hoarding wealth. What is the point of accumulating riches if we cannot enjoy them or use them for good? It is a rhetorical question meant to provoke introspection. The Old Testament warns against oppressing the poor to increase one’s wealth. The land of ancient Israel was prone to cycles of drought and famine, making hoarding especially egregious when others were in desperate need. The Coptic Orthodox Church views wealth as a stewardship, a gift from God to be used for His glory and the benefit of others. Hoarding wealth is seen as a denial of God’s providence and a failure to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Spiritual Application: Examine your priorities. Are you working to live, or living to work? Ensure that your pursuit of wealth does not come at the expense of your spiritual life, your relationships, or your service to others. Practice detachment from material possessions and cultivate a spirit of generosity. Remember the words of Christ: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26)

Verse 8 (KJV)

When he dieth, he shall leave it to his enemy.

Verse 8 (NKJV)

When he dies, he leaves it to others.

This verse drives home the impermanence of earthly possessions. All the wealth accumulated by the miser will eventually be passed on to someone else, perhaps even someone who is hostile to his memory or who will squander his hard-earned gains. This underscores the folly of placing our trust in material things, which are ultimately fleeting and unreliable. The concept of legacy is central to this idea. True legacy isn’t about material wealth, but about the impact we have on others and the good works we leave behind. Think of the early Christian martyrs whose names are still revered today, not for their earthly riches, but for their unwavering faith. This verse aligns with the teachings of St. Basil the Great, who emphasized the importance of using wealth to alleviate suffering and build up the Kingdom of God, rather than accumulating it for personal gain. Wealth that is not used for God’s glory or the good of our neighbor ultimately benefits no one.

Spiritual Application: Reflect on your legacy. What kind of impact do you want to have on the world? Invest your time, talent, and treasure in things that will last for eternity: relationships, spiritual growth, and acts of service.

Verse 9-10: The Fool’s Mistaken Identity

Verse 9 (KJV)

A covetous man will not be satisfied with his portion; and the wickedness of one shall dry up his soul.

Verse 9 (NKJV)

An evil eye hastens after riches, And does not realize that want will come upon him.

Verse 10 (KJV)

A wicked eye envieth bread, and he is in lack at his table.

Verse 10 (NKJV)

A miserly eye begrudges bread, And it is withheld from his own table.

These verses highlight the destructive nature of covetousness. Verse 9 describes the insatiable desire of the “covetous man,” who is never satisfied with what he has. This perpetual dissatisfaction leads to spiritual dryness, as his soul becomes consumed by greed. The NKJV offers an alternative translation: “An evil eye hastens after riches, And does not realize that want will come upon him.” This emphasizes the blindness of greed, which prevents us from seeing the true consequences of our actions. Verse 10 portrays the “wicked eye” as begrudging even basic necessities like bread. This miserly spirit extends even to one’s own sustenance, indicating a deep-seated fear of scarcity. The Coptic Orthodox tradition sees covetousness as a root of many sins, leading to injustice, oppression, and a distortion of our relationship with God. The desert fathers emphasized the importance of contentment and self-sufficiency, teaching that true happiness comes not from accumulating possessions, but from freeing ourselves from their grip.

Spiritual Application: Cultivate contentment and gratitude. Focus on appreciating what you have, rather than constantly craving what you lack. Practice generosity, even when it feels difficult, and trust that God will provide for your needs.

Verse 11-19: Enjoying God’s Gifts

Verse 11 (KJV)

My son, if thou hast any thing, do thyself good, and refuse not thyself the good things.

Verse 11 (NKJV)

My son, treat yourself well according to your means, And present your offerings to the Lord.

Verse 12 (KJV)

Remember that death cometh, and defer not to do good things.

Verse 12 (NKJV)

Remember that death does not delay, And the decree of Hades is not shown to you.

Verse 13 (KJV)

Before thou diest, do good to thy friend; and according to thy ability stretch out thy hand and give to him.

Verse 13 (NKJV)

Before you die, do good to your friend; And according to your ability, stretch out your hand and give to him.

Verse 14 (KJV)

Defraud not thyself of the good day, and let not the part of a good desire overpass thee.

Verse 14 (NKJV)

Do not deprive yourself of a good day, And let not your share of desired good pass by you.

Verse 15 (KJV)

Shalt not another leave that which thou hast laboured for? and thy labours to be divided by lot?

Verse 15 (NKJV)

Shall you not leave your labors to another, And your toils to be divided by lot?

Verse 16 (KJV)

Give, and take, and quiet thy soul; for there is no seeking of dainties in the grave.

Verse 16 (NKJV)

Give, and take, and justify your soul; For there is no seeking luxury in Hades.

Verse 17 (KJV)

All flesh waxeth old as a garment: for the covenant from the beginning is, Thou shalt die the death.

Verse 17 (NKJV)

All flesh grows old like a garment; For the covenant from of old is, “You shall surely die.”

Verse 18 (KJV)

As of the green leaves on a thick tree, some fall, and some grow; so is the generation of flesh and blood, one cometh to an end, and another is born.

Verse 18 (NKJV)

Like green leaves on a flourishing tree, Some fall and others grow; So is the generation of flesh and blood: One dies and another is born.

Verse 19 (KJV)

Every work rotteth and consumeth away, and he that doeth it shall go withal.

Verse 19 (NKJV)

Every work decays and vanishes, And the one who made it will pass away with it.

This section presents a balanced perspective on enjoying God’s gifts. It’s not a call to hedonistic excess, but a recognition that we are meant to appreciate the blessings God provides. However, it’s paired with a solemn reminder of our mortality (verses 12, 17-19). “Remember that death cometh, and defer not to do good things” (verse 12) is a powerful call to action. We should not postpone acts of kindness or delay opportunities to serve others. The verses acknowledge the fleeting nature of life and the impermanence of earthly possessions (verses 15, 19). “Give, and take, and quiet thy soul; for there is no seeking of dainties in the grave” (verse 16). This verse emphasizes the importance of finding contentment in the present moment and using our resources wisely while we have the opportunity. “All flesh waxeth old as a garment” (verse 17) is a poignant reminder of our mortality. The Coptic Orthodox Church teaches that death is not the end, but a transition to eternal life. However, it is a serious event that should prompt us to reflect on our lives and prepare for our encounter with God. The imagery of leaves falling from a tree (verse 18) illustrates the cyclical nature of life and death. Just as new leaves sprout forth, so too does new life emerge. This offers a sense of hope and renewal amidst the awareness of our own mortality.

Spiritual Application: Strive to live each day with a sense of purpose and gratitude. Enjoy God’s blessings responsibly and use your resources to serve others. Remember that death is inevitable, and prepare for it by living a life of faith, repentance, and love.

Verse 20-27: The Wisdom of the Wise

Verse 20 (KJV)

Blessed is the man that shall be found wise; and he that shall be found upright in the generation.

Verse 20 (NKJV)

Happy is the man who meditates on wisdom, And who reasons intelligently.

Verse 21 (KJV)

He that keepeth the law is a wise son: and he that keepeth it well is a beloved son.

Verse 21 (NKJV)

He who keeps the ways of instruction will have life; And those who seek her favor find happiness.

Verse 22 (KJV)

He that is of an humble mind, and receiveth wisdom.

Verse 22 (NKJV)

He who trusts in the Lord will not lack anything, And those who seek her favor find happiness.

Verse 23 (KJV)

As a father that instructeth his children, so do I instruct thee: for I am thy son, and am filled with wisdom.

Verse 23 (NKJV)

He who trusts in her will inherit her, And his descendants will possess her.

Verse 24 (KJV)

He that loveth me shall love life; and they that seek me early shall be filled with gladness.

Verse 24 (NKJV)

If he trusts in her, he will never be disappointed, And if he relies on her, he will never stumble.

Verse 25 (KJV)

My memorial shall endure forever: and my name shall be had in every generation.

Verse 25 (NKJV)

For she will make him stand out above many, And open his mouth in the midst of the assembly.

Verse 26 (KJV)

Fools shall not utter their words; but the wise shall hear the words of the wise.

Verse 26 (NKJV)

He will find gladness and a crown of rejoicing, And inherit an everlasting name.

Verse 27 (KJV)

But the desire of the fool shall be cut off; and his wickedness shall be remembered.

Verse 27 (NKJV)

Foolish men will never attain to her, And sinful men will never see her.

The concluding verses emphasize the blessings that come to those who embrace wisdom and righteousness. Wisdom is presented as a source of happiness, fulfillment, and lasting legacy. “Blessed is the man that shall be found wise; and he that shall be found upright in the generation” (verse 20) highlights the importance of both intellectual and moral virtue. Those who follow God’s law (verses 21-22) will experience true life and will inherit wisdom’s blessings. The imagery of being “filled with gladness” (verse 24) speaks to the inner joy and peace that comes from living in accordance with God’s will. The verses contrast the fate of the wise with that of the fool. The wise will be remembered for their good deeds, while the “desire of the fool shall be cut off; and his wickedness shall be remembered” (verse 27). The Coptic Orthodox Church teaches that true wisdom comes from God and is revealed through the Holy Spirit. It is not merely intellectual knowledge, but a deep understanding of God’s nature and His plan for our lives.

Spiritual Application: Seek wisdom through prayer, studying God’s word, and seeking guidance from wise mentors. Strive to live a righteous life, reflecting God’s love and compassion in your thoughts, words, and actions. Remember that true happiness comes not from material possessions, but from a relationship with God and a life of service to others.

Generosity and Stewardship: Key Reflections

Sirach 14 is a call to balance enjoyment of God’s gifts with a spirit of generosity and responsible stewardship. Here are some key reflections:

✨ Gratitude as a Foundation: Recognize all material blessings as gifts from God, fostering gratitude and humility.
💡 Combating Covetousness: Actively fight against the urge to hoard and accumulate wealth, recognizing the spiritual dangers of greed.
📖 Investing in Eternity: Prioritize investments in spiritual growth, relationships, and acts of service that have lasting value.
🕊️ Practicing Detachment: Cultivate detachment from material possessions, recognizing their impermanence and potential to distract from spiritual goals.
📜 Sharing with Others: Embrace generosity as a tangible expression of faith, sharing resources with those in need.
🏡 Simple Living: Pursue a lifestyle of simplicity, avoiding excessive consumption and focusing on essential needs.

FAQ ❓

Here are some common questions about the teachings in Sirach 14:

Q: Does Sirach 14 condemn wealth altogether?
A: No. It condemns the *misuse* of wealth, hoarding, and prioritizing it over spiritual values. It encourages enjoying God’s gifts responsibly and using wealth for good.
Q: How can I balance enjoying God’s blessings with the call to detachment?
A: The key is intention. Enjoy God’s gifts with gratitude, but don’t become attached to them. Use them wisely and be willing to share them with others.
Q: What is the Coptic Orthodox view on tithing and charitable giving?
A: The Coptic Orthodox Church encourages generous giving, recognizing it as an act of worship and a means of showing love for God and neighbor. While tithing (giving 10%) is a good starting point, the emphasis is on giving sacrificially and cheerfully, according to one’s ability.
Q: How does this chapter relate to the teachings of Christ in the New Testament?
A: Sirach 14 echoes many of Christ’s teachings on wealth and generosity, such as the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21) and the importance of storing up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). Both emphasize the futility of hoarding wealth and the importance of prioritizing spiritual riches.

Conclusion

Sirach 14 offers timeless wisdom on the *good use of wealth*, urging us to cultivate a balanced perspective. It calls us to enjoy God’s gifts with gratitude, while remaining detached from material possessions and prioritizing spiritual growth. It challenges us to combat covetousness and embrace generosity as a tangible expression of our faith. By living a life of humility, righteousness, and service, we can experience true happiness and leave a lasting legacy of love and compassion. Ultimately, the chapter reminds us that true wealth lies not in what we possess, but in how we use it to glorify God and serve our neighbor, and that the ultimate treasure is the eternal life promised to those who love Him. This understanding transforms our perspective from selfish accumulation to selfless giving, paving the way for a life filled with purpose and joy.

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Explore Sirach 14, a Coptic Orthodox perspective on the *good use of wealth*. Learn how to enjoy God’s gifts, practice generosity, and prioritize spiritual growth for a fulfilling life.