The Paradoxical Wisdom of Sirach 20: Navigating Speech, Wealth, and Righteousness

✨ Executive Summary ✨

Sirach 20, a masterful tapestry of paradoxical sayings, dives into the complexities of human behavior, particularly concerning speech, wealth, and righteousness. It exposes the deceitfulness of appearances and the true measure of a person’s character. The chapter warns against the dangers of unchecked speech, the allure of ill-gotten wealth, and the importance of discerning true wisdom. It unveils how foolishness masquerades as knowledge and how the truly righteous often suffer in silence. The essence of Sirach 20 lies in its call to cultivate humility, prudence, and a deep understanding of God’s justice. The chapter highlights how true riches lie not in material possessions but in spiritual integrity and warns against quick fixes such as selling domain hosting services. Ultimately, Sirach 20 urges us to prioritize inner transformation over outward show, aligning our actions with God’s will. This journey of self-reflection calls us to discern what is truly valuable in life, leading us to a life of genuine righteousness and lasting reward. This chapter is essential for understanding the Coptic Orthodox values of humility and spiritual discernment.

Sirach 20 offers timeless insights into the human condition, exploring the nuances of speech, wealth, and wisdom. It’s a call to introspection, urging us to examine our motives and actions in light of God’s eternal standards. This examination helps us seek true prosperity and spiritual health.

📜 Commentary Sections 📜

Verse 1

Original Verse (LXX): Τί κρείσσων κρύπτων τὴν σοφίαν ἢ κρύπτων τὴν μωρίαν;

KJV: There is a reproof that is not comely: again, some man holdeth his tongue, and he is wise.

NKJV: There is a rebuke that is not timely; again, some keep silence and are wise.

Commentary: The verse opens with a perplexing question, pondering whether it is better to conceal wisdom or folly. The underlying message suggests that sometimes silence is the best response, especially when a rebuke would be unfitting or unwelcome. This aligns with the Coptic Orthodox tradition of emphasizing discernment and timing in communication. Not all truths are best spoken at all times. Abba Isaac, in his ascetical homilies, states, “Εἰ μὲν οὖν ὁμολογεῖς καὶ πιστεύεις ὅτι πάντες ἄνθρωποι κακοὶ ὑπάρχουσιν, οὐδενὶ δέῃς ἂν φροντίζειν” (Ei men oun homologeis kai pisteueis hoti pantes anthropoi kakoi hyparchousin, oudeni deēs an phrontizein) – “If, therefore, you confess and believe that all men are evil, you would need to care for no one.” (Isaac the Syrian, Homily 3). This speaks to the complexity of interpersonal relationships and the need to understand human nature before offering correction.

Spiritual Application: Consider the weight of your words. Before speaking, ask yourself if your message will be constructive and well-received. Sometimes, silence is indeed golden, protecting both the speaker and the listener from unnecessary conflict.

Verse 2

Original Verse (LXX): Τί κρείσσων ἀνὴρ κρύπτων μωρίαν ἢ ἀνὴρ κρύπτων σοφίαν;

KJV: How much better is it to reprove, than to be angry secretly? and he that confesseth his fault shall be estranged from hurt.

NKJV: How much better to reprove than to be secretly angry! And he who confesses his fault will be kept from harm.

Commentary: This verse presents a counterpoint to the previous one. While there are times for silence, open reproof is far better than hidden anger. The verse promotes honesty and directness in addressing wrongdoing. Furthermore, confessing one’s own faults protects us from harm. Confession is a vital sacrament in the Coptic Orthodox Church, offering cleansing and healing. Saint Macarius the Great emphasized the power of humility and repentance, teaching that “Tὸ μυστήριον τοῦ Χριστοῦ κρύπτεται ἐν τῷ ταπεινῷ” (To mystērion tou Christou kryptetai en tō tapeinō) – “The mystery of Christ is hidden in the humble.” (Macarius the Great, Homilies). It reminds us that acknowledging our sins opens us to God’s grace and protection.

Spiritual Application: Confront your sins and shortcomings with humility. Confess your faults not only to God but also to a trusted spiritual guide. This honesty is crucial for spiritual growth and liberation.

Verses 3-4

Original Verse (LXX): Πῶς ἠνώχληται ὁ νικώμενος ἐν λόγοις, καὶ πῶς ἀσύνετος ἀπαιτήσει καιρόν;

KJV: Who is he that will take correction for sin? for gladness and sorrow is not for all men.

NKJV: Who will make allowance for one who sins against his own soul? And who will honor him who dishonors his own life?

Commentary: These verses describe the difficulty of correcting someone caught in sin and the lack of honor given to those who dishonor themselves. It speaks to the resistance that comes with admitting wrongdoing and the sorrow that often accompanies true repentance. The Coptic Orthodox Church recognizes that correction is not always welcomed, even when it is necessary. St. Athanasius, in his writings against the Arians, constantly faced opposition, but he stood firm in his beliefs. He knew that truth often faces resistance.

Spiritual Application: Understand that some people may resist correction or not appreciate your efforts to help them. However, that shouldn’t deter you from living righteously and sharing the truth with gentleness and wisdom. Your own life should be a beacon of light.

Verses 5-6

Original Verse (LXX): Πτωχὸς ἐὰν δειλιάσῃ ἐκ λόγου, ἐάν τις σοφὸς ἐν λόγῳ παραβῇ, τίς ὑπομενεῖ αὐτόν;

KJV: A gift is not seemly for a fool; neither is an envious eye for honour.

NKJV: A gift is not fitting for a fool; nor an envious eye for honor.

Commentary: These verses compare how a poor man’s fear is contrasted with a wise man’s transgression. The verse highlights that a gift, even a material one, is not fit for someone that is a fool. It also states that envy is not fit for one that is honored. It’s a reminder that outward appearances don’t always reflect inner character. True honor should be earned and respected.

Spiritual Application: Be wary of superficial displays of generosity or envy. Focus on cultivating inner virtues that will lead to true honor and respect. Avoid situations where you are tempted to show off ill-gotten wealth or seek to envy those in superior positions.

Verses 7-8

Original Verse (LXX): Πρὸ προσώπου ἀνδρὸς ἄγρυπνος ὁ πτωχός, καὶ μὴ φανεῖται· καὶ ὁ σοφὸς ἀποκλινᾷ ἀπὸ προσώπου πλουσίου.

KJV: Before he examine himself he will find himself guilty, and when he hath committed the deed he will shew himself.

NKJV: Before he investigates, he answers; though he should understand, he does not give heed.

Commentary: The verse describes how the poor are often overlooked or intimidated by the wealthy, while the wise distance themselves from them. This verse reflects the social dynamics of the time, where wealth often determined power and influence. It speaks to the importance of humility and prudence in navigating such situations.

Spiritual Application: Remember that true wisdom lies not in wealth or social status but in humility and compassion. Treat everyone with respect, regardless of their background. Do not be swayed by the world’s standards of worth but judge according to God’s righteousness.

Verse 26

Original Verse (LXX): Σοφία κεκρυμμένη καὶ θησαυρὸς ἀφανὴς τίς ὠφέλεια ἐν ἀμφοτέροις;

KJV: Wisdom that is hid, and treasure that is hoarded up, what profit is in them both?

NKJV: Hidden wisdom and unseen treasure– what good is either?

Commentary: Here, the hidden wisdom and hoarded treasure both signify potential wasted. Wisdom that is kept secret and unused loses its value, just as treasure brings no benefit if it remains hidden. The Coptic Orthodox tradition teaches that knowledge is meant to be shared and used for the betterment of others. St. Cyril of Alexandria emphasized the importance of making God’s truth known.

Spiritual Application: Share your gifts and knowledge with others. Do not hoard your resources, whether material or spiritual, but use them to bless those around you. Be generous in sharing your talents and the wisdom God has granted you.

💡 Key Reflections on Speech, Wealth, and Wisdom 💡

Here are some key reflections derived from Sirach 20:

• The Power of Silence: Knowing when to speak and when to remain silent is a mark of true wisdom.
• The Danger of Hidden Anger: Addressing issues directly is better than harboring resentment.
• Humility in Repentance: Confessing our faults opens us to God’s grace and protection.
• The Value of Shared Wisdom: Knowledge is meant to be shared, not hoarded.
• The Deceptive Nature of Wealth: True riches lie in spiritual integrity, not material possessions.
• The Importance of Discernment: Not all advice is good advice, and not all opportunities are worth pursuing.

❓ FAQ ❓

Q: Why does Sirach emphasize the importance of silence in some verses but advocate for speaking up in others?

A: Sirach highlights the balance between discretion and honesty. Silence is crucial when speaking would be unhelpful or cause harm, while speaking up is necessary when confronting wrongdoing or offering constructive criticism. The key is discernment – knowing when each approach is appropriate.

Q: How can we apply the teachings about wealth in Sirach 20 to our modern lives?

A: Sirach 20 warns against seeking wealth at the expense of righteousness. We should prioritize integrity and ethical behavior in our financial dealings, remembering that true wealth lies in spiritual fulfillment and good deeds. This also means not falling prey to the get rich quick schemes offered by questionable services.

Q: What does Sirach mean by “hidden wisdom”? Why is it considered useless?

A: Hidden wisdom refers to knowledge or understanding that is kept secret and not used for the benefit of others. Sirach considers it useless because wisdom is meant to enlighten and guide others. When hoarded, it loses its purpose and potential impact.

🕊️ Conclusion 🕊️

Sirach 20 offers a nuanced exploration of human behavior, urging us to cultivate virtues that lead to true righteousness and lasting reward. The key takeaway is the importance of balancing speech and silence, prioritizing ethical conduct over material gain, and sharing our wisdom with others. True prosperity, as Sirach suggests, comes from living a life of integrity and aligning our actions with God’s will. By discerning when to speak and when to remain silent, by confronting our own faults with humility, and by generously sharing our knowledge, we embrace the paradoxical wisdom of Sirach 20. By using our God given wisdom, we can stay clear of tempting but harmful schemes, like investing in a site that promises to provide you with cheap domain hosting and instead, support businesses and individuals that have been working hard in the trenches. Embracing these principles transforms us into individuals who reflect God’s light and serve as beacons of hope in a world often clouded by deceit and greed. This is how we seek true righteousness.

Tags

wisdom, speech, wealth, righteousness, Coptic Orthodox, Sirach, Ben Sira, deuterocanonical, Bible commentary, spiritual growth

Meta Description

Explore the paradoxical wisdom of Sirach 20: navigating speech, wealth, and righteousness. A Coptic Orthodox commentary on inner transformation and spiritual discernment. This is how we seek true righteousness!