Do Good Wisely: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Sirach 12

✨ Executive Summary ✨

Sirach 12, “Do Good Wisely: Be prudent in helping others,” delves into the complex reality of human nature and the crucial importance of discernment in acts of charity. This chapter, so vital for our spiritual formation, reminds us that not all who appear to be in need are genuinely deserving, and that indiscriminate generosity can be exploited. True Christian love, as taught within the Coptic Orthodox tradition, requires wisdom, prudence, and the understanding that our actions have consequences. The chapter guides us to direct our kindness towards the righteous, the God-fearing, and those whose gratitude will be sincere, while cautiously approaching those who may abuse our good intentions. This approach helps us avoid enabling wickedness and preserving our resources for truly worthy causes and individuals within our community. Doing good wisely, therefore, is not merely an act of kindness, but an act of stewardship and responsible love, guided by divine wisdom and discernment.

Introduction: The Book of Sirach, a treasure trove of wisdom literature, offers practical guidance for navigating the complexities of life. Chapter 12 presents a particularly challenging concept: the need for discernment in acts of charity. This isn’t about withholding kindness, but about channeling it effectively, ensuring our good intentions are not exploited and that our resources truly benefit those in genuine need. Today, we will delve deeply into this chapter from the Coptic Orthodox perspective, drawing upon Patristic insights and practical applications.

📖 Commentary on Sirach 12 📖

Sirach 12:1-2

Original Text (Septuagint): Ἀγαθύνεις ποιήσεις τὸν δίκαιον, καὶ εὑρήσεις ἀνταπόδοσιν μεγάλην· εἰ δὲ τὸν ἁμαρτωλὸν, καὶ οὐκ εὑρήσεις. βοήθησον τῷ ταπεινῷ, καὶ μὴ δῷς τῷ ἀσεβεῖ· ἀπόκλεισον τὸν ἄδικόν· δὸς δὲ τῷ ταπεινῷ, καὶ μὴ δῷς τῷ ἀσεβεῖ.

KJV: Do good unto the godly man, and thou shalt find a recompence; and if not from him, yet from the most High. There can no good come to him that is always occupied in evil, nor to him that giveth no alms.

NKJV: Do good to a godly man, and you will find recompense; if not from him, at least from the Most High. No good will come to him who continually persists in evil, nor to one who does not give alms.

Commentary: The opening verses establish a fundamental principle: focus your acts of goodness upon the righteous. This doesn’t mean neglecting the needs of others entirely, but prioritizing those whose hearts are aligned with God. The reward, though perhaps not immediate or apparent, will come, either from the recipient or, ultimately, from God Himself. The Coptic Fathers often emphasized the importance of discernment. St. Athanasius, in his *Life of Antony*, highlights Antony’s ability to discern the genuine spiritual needs of those who came to him, differentiating them from those seeking merely material gain. The phrase “ἀνταπόδοσιν μεγάλην” (*antapodosis megalēn*), “great recompense,” suggests a spiritual and eternal reward, not solely a temporal one. This passage reminds us that the impact of our actions extends far beyond the immediate transaction.

Practical Application: Consider supporting local charities and ministries known for their integrity and effective service to those in need. Also, consider volunteering at a community center or a local place for virtual business address services, dedicating your time and talents to help build stronger communities.

Sirach 12:3-7

Original Text (Septuagint): Δὸς τῷ ἀγαθῷ, καὶ μὴ βοήθησον τῷ ἁμαρτωλῷ· ποίησον τῷ ταπεινῷ, καὶ μὴ δῷς τῷ ἀσεβεῖ· ἀπόκλεισον τὸν ἄδικόν· δὸς δὲ τῷ ταπεινῷ, καὶ μὴ δῷς τῷ ἀσεβεῖ. μὴ δάνειζε ὑπὲρ αὐτοῦ πλουσίῳ· μὴ δανείσῃς ὑπὲρ αὐτοῦ πλουσίῳ, εἰ μὴ δανείσεις αὐτῷ ἀντὶ τοῦ ὀφλήματος. βοηθήσατε τῷ ταπεινῷ, καὶ μὴ δῷς τῷ ἀσεβεῖ· ἀπόκλεισον τὸν ἄδικόν· δὸς δὲ τῷ ταπεινῷ.

KJV: Give to the good, and help not the sinner: do well unto the lowly, but give not to the ungodly: hold back thy bread, and give it not unto him, lest he overmaster thee thereby: for else thou shalt receive twice as much evil for all the good that thou hast done unto him. The most High hateth sinners, and will repay vengeance unto the ungodly, and keepeth them against the mighty day of judgment. Give unto the good, and help not the sinner.

NKJV: Give to the good, and do not help a sinner. Do good to the humble, but do not give to the ungodly; withhold your bread, and do not give it to him, lest he become stronger than you because of it. For you will receive twice as much evil for all the good you have done for him. The Most High hates sinners, and will repay vengeance on the ungodly, and keeps them for the mighty day of judgment. Give to the good, and do not help a sinner.

Commentary: These verses reiterate the need for prudent giving, warning against enabling those who persist in wickedness. The phrase “lest he become stronger than you because of it” speaks to the potential for harm when resources are misused or given to those who will exploit them. St. Cyril of Alexandria, in his commentary on the Gospel of Luke, cautions against enabling vice, emphasizing that true love seeks the betterment of others, not the perpetuation of their destructive habits. The passage also highlights God’s justice, stating that He “hates sinners, and will repay vengeance on the ungodly.” This underscores the seriousness of sin and the ultimate consequences of rejecting God’s grace. It is a stark reminder that our actions have both earthly and eternal ramifications.

Practical Application: Be discerning about where your money goes. Research charities before donating, and be wary of giving to individuals who consistently seek handouts without demonstrating a genuine desire to change their circumstances. Instead of simply giving money, consider offering practical help, such as providing a meal, offering a ride, or connecting someone with job resources.

Sirach 12:8-18

Original Text (Septuagint): Οὐ μὴ γνωσθῇ ἐν τῇ εὐεργεσίᾳ σου οὐδεὶς ἀσεβής· δὸς τῷ πεινῶντι, καὶ στέρησον τὸν ἀσεβῆ. ἀγαθύνεις τῷ ταπεινῷ, καὶ μὴ δῷς τῷ ἀσεβεῖ. ἄγαγε τὸν σπλαγχνισθέντα, καὶ ἐλάμβανε τὸν ἐκτεθλιμμένον, καὶ μὴ σπλαγχνισθήσῃ ἐπ᾽ αὐτῷ· ὑπότασσε τὴν ἀδικίαν, καὶ κράτει πρὸς πάντα τὸν σπλαγχνισθέντα· οὐ μὴ γνωσθῇ ἐν τῇ εὐεργεσίᾳ σου οὐδεὶς ἀσεβής· δὸς τῷ πεινῶντι, καὶ στέρησον τὸν ἀσεβῆ. φίλος ἐν ἡμέρᾳ ἑορτῆς, καὶ οὐκ ἔστιν ἐν ἡμέρᾳ θλίψεως. φίλος ἐν ἡμέρᾳ ἀγαθῶν, καὶ ἀντίπαλος ἐν ἡμέρᾳ κακῶν. ἐχθρὸς εἰς χεῖρας προσποιήσεται, καὶ ἐν καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ δολιότητα καὶ καταπαύσῃ τὰ ῥήματα αὐτοῦ, καὶ κρύψει τὸν νοῦν, καὶ ἐν καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ δολιότητα. ὁ ὀφθαλμὸς κλαίει, καὶ ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ βουλεύεται πῶς πληρώσῃ τὴν γῆν αἵματος· ἐὰν γὰρ γίνηται ἐπὶ σέ τι κακόν, εὑρέθη ἐκεῖ πρῶτος.

KJV: A friend cannot be known in prosperity: and an enemy cannot be hidden in adversity. In the prosperity of a man enemies will be grieved: but in his adversity even a friend will depart. Never trust thine enemy: for like as iron rusteth, so is his wickedness. Though he humble himself, and go crouching, yet take good heed and beware of him, and thou shalt be unto him as if thou hadst wiped a lookingglass, and thou shalt know that his rust hath not been altogether wiped away. Set him not by thee, lest, when he hath overthrown thee, he stand up in thy place; neither let him sit at thy right hand, lest he seek to take thy seat, and thou at the last remember my words, and curse me. Who will pity a charmer that is bitten with a serpent, or any such as come nigh wild beasts? So one that goeth to a sinner, and is defiled with him in his sins, who will pity such an one?

NKJV: No good will come to the one who constantly occupies himself with evil, nor to one who does not give alms. Give to the godly, and do not help a sinner. Do good to the humble, but do not give to the ungodly. Help one who is in need, but push away the arrogant; do not give to the ungodly. A friend cannot be known in prosperity, and an enemy cannot be hidden in adversity. In the prosperity of a man, enemies will be grieved; but in his adversity, even a friend will depart. Never trust your enemy; for like as iron rusts, so is his wickedness. Though he humbles himself and goes crouching, yet take good heed and beware of him, and you will be to him like one who has wiped a mirror, and you will know that his rust has not been altogether wiped away. Set him not beside you, lest when he has overthrown you, he stand up in your place; neither let him sit at your right hand, lest he seek to take your seat, and you at last remember my words, and curse me. Who will pity a charmer who is bitten by a serpent, or any such as come near wild beasts? So it is with one who associates with a sinner, and is defiled with him in his sins.

Commentary: This extended section explores the complexities of relationships and the importance of discerning true friends from enemies disguised as friends. It warns against trusting those who have proven untrustworthy, even if they feign humility or repentance. The analogy of the serpent charmer highlights the danger of associating with those who are steeped in sin. St. Basil the Great, in his *Ascetic Discourses*, warns against naiveté in dealing with those who are outwardly pious but inwardly corrupt, comparing them to “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” The verses emphasize that true friendship is revealed in adversity, while fair-weather friends disappear when times get tough. This underscores the importance of building genuine, Christ-centered relationships based on mutual love and support. The reference to enemies being grieved by a man’s prosperity connects with the ever-present spiritual battle and the envy and malice of the devil.

Practical Application: Cultivate strong, Christ-centered friendships with fellow believers who will encourage and support you in your faith journey. Be wary of superficial relationships based on mutual benefit rather than genuine connection. Pay attention to people’s actions, not just their words. Look for consistency between their words and deeds over time to determine their true character. If you’re looking for a new hobby, joining an online community that can help you find online community platform with similar interests.

Sirach 12:16-18

Original Text (Septuagint): ὀλίγον χρόνοις συναντήσεις, καὶ ἐὰν παρέλθῃς, οὐ μὴ καταμείνῃς· ὁ ἐχθρὸς ἐν χείλεσιν γλυκανεῖ, καὶ ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ βουλεύεται πῶς ἐμβάλῃ σε εἰς λάκκον. ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς κλαίει, καὶ ἐὰν εὕρῃ καιρόν, οὐ μὴ πλησθῇ αἵματος· ἐὰν γίνηται ἐπὶ σὲ τι κακόν, εὑρέθη ἐκεῖ πρῶτος.

KJV: If adversity come upon thee, thou shalt find him there first. Though he humble himself, and go crouching, yet take good heed and beware of him, and thou shalt be unto him as if thou hadst wiped a lookingglass, and thou shalt know that his rust hath not been altogether wiped away.

NKJV: If adversity comes upon you, you will find him there first. If harm comes to you, you will find him there first.

Commentary: These verses serve as a stark warning about the deceptiveness of enemies who mask their true intentions. The image of the enemy planning to cast one into a pit, weeping with their eyes but plotting in their heart, underscores the depth of their duplicity. “ἐν χείλεσιν γλυκανεῖ” (*en cheilesin glykanei*), “he will sweeten with his lips,” highlights the use of flattery and false promises to gain trust. The passage reminds us to be vigilant and discerning, recognizing that appearances can be deceiving. The Coptic Church, having faced centuries of persecution, understands the importance of vigilance and discernment in dealing with those who seek to harm the faithful.

Practical Application: Trust your instincts. If someone seems too good to be true, they probably are. Be cautious about sharing personal information with those you don’t know well, and avoid situations where you might be vulnerable to exploitation. Learn to recognize the warning signs of manipulation and deception.

💡 Key Reflections on Sirach 12 💡

Here are some key reflections distilled from Sirach 12:

• ✨ Discernment in Charity: True Christian love isn’t blind; it’s guided by wisdom. We must prayerfully discern who genuinely needs our help and who might exploit our generosity.
• 🕊️ Prioritize the Godly: While we should never neglect those in need, prioritizing those who are righteous and God-fearing ensures that our good deeds are multiplied and bear lasting fruit.
• 📖 Beware of Deception: Be wary of those who feign humility or repentance, but whose actions betray their true intentions. Trust your instincts and observe people’s behavior over time.
• 🤝 True Friendship: Cultivate genuine, Christ-centered friendships that offer mutual support and encouragement, especially during times of adversity.
• 🙏 Eternal Perspective: Remember that our actions have both earthly and eternal consequences. Focus on doing good that pleases God, knowing that He will reward those who diligently seek Him.
• 🛡️ Protect Yourself: Protecting yourself and your resources from exploitation is not selfish; it is an act of responsible stewardship that allows you to continue doing good for others.

❓ FAQ about Sirach 12 ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about the themes and teachings in Sirach 12:

• Q: Does Sirach 12 contradict the teaching to love our enemies?

  A: No, it doesn’t. Loving our enemies involves praying for them and desiring their repentance, but it doesn’t necessarily mean enabling their harmful behavior. Sirach 12 teaches prudence, not hatred. We can love our enemies while protecting ourselves and others from their potential harm.

• Q: How can I discern whether someone is truly in need or trying to exploit me?

  A: Discernment comes through prayer, observation, and seeking wise counsel. Look for patterns of behavior. Do they consistently seek handouts without making efforts to improve their situation? Are they truthful and trustworthy? Pray for guidance, and ask trusted friends or spiritual mentors for their perspective.

• Q: What if I make a mistake and help someone who turns out to be undeserving?

  A: We are all imperfect and will inevitably make mistakes. Don’t be discouraged. Learn from the experience, forgive yourself, and continue to seek wisdom and discernment in your future actions. Remember that your intention was good, and God sees your heart.

• Q: How does this passage relate to the Coptic Orthodox understanding of almsgiving?

  A: The Coptic Orthodox Church emphasizes both the importance of almsgiving and the need for wisdom in giving. Almsgiving is a vital expression of love and compassion, but it should be done in a way that promotes genuine healing and transformation, not enabling destructive behavior. This balance is essential for effective Christian charity.

📜 Conclusion 📜

Sirach 12 offers invaluable wisdom for navigating the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of practicing Christian charity. It reminds us that doing good wisely is not about being stingy or uncompassionate, but about being prudent stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. By prioritizing the righteous, discerning the true needs of others, and guarding against deception, we can ensure that our acts of kindness have a lasting impact and contribute to the building up of God’s Kingdom. This is not just a suggestion, but a commandment that requires intentionality and spiritual focus in our daily lives. May we all strive to live out this wisdom with grace, discernment, and unwavering love, reflecting the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs it.

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almsgiving, charity, discernment, wisdom, Sirach, Coptic Orthodox, prudence, generosity, righteous, relationships

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Sirach 12 commentary from a Coptic Orthodox perspective: Learn to do good wisely, practice discernment in charity, and avoid being exploited. Discover practical wisdom for Christian living.