Sirach 15: Choosing Wisdom – God’s Gift of Free Will and the Path to Righteousness

✨ Executive Summary ✨

Sirach 15 delves into the profound theological concept of free will, emphasizing that God, in His infinite wisdom and love, has granted humanity the capacity to choose between good and evil, life and death. This chapter asserts that God is not the author of sin; rather, He has provided us with the intellect and understanding necessary to discern His will and follow the path of righteousness. Those who choose wisdom and obedience to God’s commandments are promised blessings and eternal life, while those who reject Him face the consequences of their choices. Ultimately, Sirach 15 serves as a powerful affirmation of human responsibility and the transformative power of choosing wisdom as a guiding principle in life. The chapter encourages us to embrace our free will responsibly, seeking God’s guidance and striving to live in accordance with His divine will, reaping the rewards of a life well-lived in faith and love. By making informed decisions, understanding scripture and understanding the path to WordPress hosting, we can navigate life effectively.

📖 Introduction 📖

Sirach, also known as Ecclesiasticus, continues to explore the theme of wisdom, now focusing on the crucial doctrine of free will. Chapter 15 directly addresses the common misconception that God tempts or predetermines individuals to sin. Instead, it affirms God’s just and merciful nature, revealing that He desires all people to be saved and has equipped them with the ability to choose good. This chapter serves as a call to conscious decision-making, urging us to actively pursue righteousness and embrace the blessings that follow. The emphasis on “Choosing Wisdom – God’s Gift of Free Will and the Path to Righteousness” is paramount for understanding our role in salvation and living a life pleasing to God.

📜 Verse-by-Verse Commentary 📜

Verse 1: He that feareth the Lord will do good; and he that hath the knowledge of the law shall obtain her. (KJV)

Ὁ φοβούμενος τὸν Κύριον ποιήσει ἀγαθόν, καὶ ὁ κρατῶν τῆς δικαιοσύνης ἐπιλήμψεται αὐτῆς. (Greek Septuagint)

He who fears the Lord will do good, and he who holds fast to righteousness will obtain it. (NKJV)

This verse establishes the foundation of a righteous life: fear of the Lord. This fear isn’t terror, but a deep reverence, respect, and awe before the majesty and holiness of God. It’s the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). The “knowledge of the law” refers not just to intellectual understanding, but to internalizing and acting upon God’s commandments. Obtaining “her” (wisdom) is not passive; it requires active pursuit and diligent effort. St. Anthony the Great famously said, “Ἀεὶ προσέχετε ἑαυτοῖς, καὶ μὴ ὀλιγωρεῖτε τῆς σωτηρίας ὑμῶν” (Aeì proséchete heautoîs, kaì mḕ oligōreîte tês sōtērias hymôn) – “Always pay attention to yourselves, and do not neglect your salvation” (Sayings of the Desert Fathers). This verse underscores the importance of continual vigilance and proactive engagement with God’s will.

Practical Application: Cultivate a daily practice of prayer and scripture reading to deepen your fear of the Lord and knowledge of His will. Let this fear guide your actions and decisions, ensuring they align with His commandments.

Verse 2: As a mother meets her children, and receives them to herself: so shall wisdom deal with them that diligently seek after her. (KJV)

Ὡς μήτηρ ἀπαντᾷ τοῖς τέκνοις αὐτῆς, καὶ ὡς γυνὴ παρθένος προσδέξεται αὐτόν. (Greek Septuagint)

She will meet him like a mother, and like a young bride she will receive him. (NKJV)

This verse uses a beautiful and tender analogy to describe wisdom’s relationship with those who seek her. Wisdom is personified as a loving mother, eagerly awaiting her children’s return, and as a young bride, warmly embracing her beloved. This imagery emphasizes the nurturing, comforting, and intimate nature of wisdom. It’s not a cold, distant concept, but a warm, welcoming presence that desires to be close to us. The depiction of wisdom as a mother resonates deeply within the Coptic Orthodox tradition, which venerates the Theotokos (Mother of God) as a symbol of divine grace and loving care. Just as the Theotokos embraces us with her maternal intercession, so too does wisdom embrace those who earnestly seek her. This reflects the concept of divine grace accessible for anyone who asks for guidance and direction.

Practical Application: Approach your pursuit of wisdom with openness and humility, recognizing that it is a gift offered freely by a loving God. Cultivate a prayerful attitude, inviting wisdom to guide your thoughts, words, and actions.

Verse 3: She feedeth him with the bread of understanding, and giveth him the water of wisdom to drink. (KJV)

Τρέφει αὐτὸν ἐν ἄρτῳ συνέσεως, καὶ ὕδωρ σοφίας ποτίζει αὐτόν. (Greek Septuagint)

She will feed him with the bread of understanding, and give him the water of wisdom to drink. (NKJV)

Here, wisdom nourishes and sustains those who seek her. “The bread of understanding” and “the water of wisdom” are metaphors for spiritual nourishment that satisfies our deepest longings. They represent the truths and insights that enlighten our minds and guide our souls. This verse evokes the imagery of the Eucharist, the Holy Communion, where we partake of the bread and wine, which are truly the Body and Blood of Christ, providing us with spiritual sustenance for eternal life. St. Cyril of Alexandria, in his commentary on John, writes, “Τὸ γὰρ σῶμά μου ἀληθής ἐστι βρῶσις, καὶ τὸ αἷμά μου ἀληθής ἐστι πόσις” (To gar sōmá mou alēthḗs esti brōsis, kaì to haîmá mou alēthḗs esti pósis) – “For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed” (John 6:55). Just as the Eucharist strengthens us spiritually, so too does wisdom nourish our minds and souls, equipping us to live a life pleasing to God.

Practical Application: Make a conscious effort to feed your mind and soul with wholesome and enriching content. Engage in regular scripture reading, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. Seek out opportunities to learn from wise and experienced mentors.

Verses 11-14: Say not thou, It is through the Lord that I fell away: for thou oughtest not to do the things that he hateth. Say not thou, He hath caused me to err: for he hath no need of the sinful man. The Lord hateth all abomination; and they that fear God love it not. He himself made man from the beginning, and left him in the hand of his counsel; If thou wilt, to keep the commandments, and to perform acceptable faithfulness. (KJV)

Μὴ εἴπῃς· Ὑπὸ Κυρίου ἀπέστην· ὅτι ἃ μισεῖ αὐτὸς οὐ ποιήσεις. Μὴ εἴπῃς· Αὐτὸς με ἐπλάνησεν· ὅτι χρείαν οὐκ ἔχει ἀνθρώπου ἁμαρτωλοῦ. Πᾶν βδέλυγμα μισεῖ Κύριος, καὶ οὐκ ἀγαπήσουσιν αὐτὸ οἱ φοβούμενοι αὐτὸν. Αὐτὸς ἐποίησεν ἄνθρωπον ἐξ ἀρχῆς, καὶ ἔθηκεν αὐτὸν ἐν χειρὶ διαβουλίου αὐτοῦ· ἐὰν θέλῃς τηρεῖν ἐντολάς, καὶ τὴν πίστιν ποιῆσαι εὐδόκησιν. (Greek Septuagint)

Do not say, “It is because of the Lord that I fell away”; for you should not do what He hates. Do not say, “He made me err”; for He has no need of sinful men. The Lord hates every abomination; those who fear God do not love it. He Himself made man from the beginning, and left him in the hand of his own counsel— if you are willing, you will keep the commandments, and to perform acceptable faithfulness. (NKJV)

These verses are the heart of Sirach 15’s teaching on free will. They directly refute the notion that God is responsible for our sins. We cannot blame God for our choices. He gave us the ability to choose good, and if we choose evil, the responsibility lies with us. God “hates all abomination” – sin is an affront to His holiness and love. He desires our good, not our destruction. The phrase “left him in the hand of his counsel” emphasizes our ability to reason and make informed decisions. We have the capacity to understand God’s commandments and choose to obey them. “If you are willing” – the emphasis is on our willingness, our conscious choice to follow God’s path. St. Basil the Great writes, “Τὸ ἑκούσιον ἔχει καὶ τὸν ἔπαινον, καὶ τὴν κόλασιν” (To hekoúsion échei kaì ton épainon, kaì tēn kólasin) – “Voluntary action deserves both praise and punishment” (Homily on the Beginning of Proverbs). Our choices have consequences, both good and bad, and we are accountable for them.

Practical Application: Take responsibility for your actions and avoid blaming God or others for your mistakes. Cultivate self-awareness and examine your motivations. Seek God’s guidance in making decisions, and strive to align your will with His.

Verse 15-17: He hath set fire and water before thee: stretch forth thy hand unto whether thou wilt. Before man is life and death, good and evil: that which he shall choose shall be given unto him. For the wisdom of the Lord is great, and he is mighty in power, and beholdeth all things: (KJV)

Πῦρ καὶ ὕδωρ προέθηκεν ἐνώπιόν σου· ἐφ’ ὃ ἐὰν θέλῃς ἔκτεινον τὴν χεῖρά σου. Πρὸ ἀνθρώπου ζωὴ καὶ θάνατος, ἀγαθὸν καὶ κακόν· ὃ ἐὰν αἱρετισθῇ αὐτῷ δοθήσεται. Ὅτι μεγάλη ἐστιν ἡ σοφία Κυρίου, δυνατὸς ἐν ἰσχύϊ, καὶ ὁρῶν πάντα διαπαντός. (Greek Septuagint)

He has set before you fire and water; stretch out your hand to whichever you wish. Before man are life and death, good and evil; whichever he chooses will be given to him. For the wisdom of the Lord is great; He is mighty in power and sees everything perpetually. (NKJV)

This is a powerful declaration of our freedom of choice. The imagery of “fire and water” is a stark contrast, representing the opposing forces of destruction and life. Similarly, “life and death, good and evil” are presented as clear alternatives. We are free to choose either path. Our choices are not predetermined; they are the result of our own free will. The consequences of our choices are real and tangible – “that which he shall choose shall be given unto him.” God’s wisdom and power are emphasized to underscore the fact that He is aware of our choices and will hold us accountable. However, his foreknowledge does not negate our free will. He sees our choices, but He does not force them upon us. This verse mirrors Deuteronomy 30:19: “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”

Practical Application: Recognize the weight of your choices and the consequences they carry. Approach each decision with prayerful discernment, seeking God’s guidance and wisdom. Remember that your choices shape your destiny.

Verse 20: He hath commanded no man to do wickedly, neither hath he given any man licence to sin. (KJV)

Οὐκ ἐνετείλατο ἀσεβεῖν τινι, καὶ οὐκ ἔδωκεν ἐξουσίαν ἁμαρτάνειν. (Greek Septuagint)

He has commanded no one to do wickedly, nor has He given anyone license to sin. (NKJV)

This final verse reiterates the central theme of the chapter: God is not the author of sin. He has not commanded anyone to do evil, nor has He given anyone permission to sin. Sin is a result of our own choices, not God’s will. This statement is a cornerstone of Christian theology, affirming God’s perfect holiness and justice. Any suggestion that God would command or permit sin is a blasphemous contradiction of His divine nature. The concept of “license to sin” is particularly relevant in today’s world, where some may argue that God’s grace gives them freedom to disregard His commandments. However, true grace empowers us to overcome sin, not to indulge in it. As St. Paul writes in Romans 6:1-2, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.”

Practical Application: Reject any notion that God condones or encourages sin. Embrace the truth that He desires your holiness and offers you the grace to live a righteous life. Resist temptation and strive to obey His commandments.

💡 Key Reflections and Teachings 💡

Here are some essential takeaways from Sirach 15:

• 🕊️ Free Will is a Gift: God has endowed us with the freedom to choose between good and evil.
• 📖 Responsibility: We are accountable for our choices and their consequences.
• ✨ God is Not the Author of Sin: He desires our good and has given us the ability to choose righteousness.
• 💡 Wisdom is Key: Seeking wisdom and understanding is essential for making right choices.
• 📜 God’s Love: Despite our failings, God’s love and grace are always available to us.
• ✝️ Sacramental Living: Engage with the Sacraments, such as Confession and Communion, to ask for Forgiveness and to receive continual guidance.

❓ FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Sirach 15 and the concept of free will:

• Q: Does God’s foreknowledge negate our free will?

  A: No. God’s foreknowledge means He knows what we will choose, but it doesn’t cause us to make those choices. He sees all of time simultaneously, but we still make our own decisions.

• Q: If God knows we will sin, why does He allow it?

  A: God allows sin because He values free will. Without free will, we wouldn’t be able to truly love Him or each other. He allows the possibility of evil because the alternative – a world without free will – would be a lesser good.

• Q: How can we overcome temptation and choose good?

  A: Through prayer, scripture reading, and the sacraments, we can strengthen our relationship with God and receive the grace we need to resist temptation. We should also surround ourselves with supportive friends and mentors who can encourage us on our spiritual journey.

• Q: What is the role of grace in our ability to choose good?

  A: Grace is God’s unmerited favor and assistance that empowers us to overcome sin and live a righteous life. It works in harmony with our free will, enabling us to choose good and follow God’s commandments. We must actively cooperate with God’s grace to experience its transformative power.

Conclusion

Sirach 15 offers a powerful and comforting affirmation of our free will and God’s unwavering desire for our salvation. We are not puppets of fate, predetermined to sin or succeed. Instead, we are empowered to choose between good and evil, life and death. God has given us the intellect, understanding, and grace necessary to discern His will and follow the path of righteousness. The responsibility rests on our shoulders to embrace our free will responsibly, seeking God’s guidance and striving to live in accordance with His divine will. Remember that “Choosing Wisdom – God’s Gift of Free Will and the Path to Righteousness” requires conscious effort and commitment. By making wise choices, rooted in faith and love, we can reap the rewards of a life well-lived and inherit the blessings of eternal life. Do not neglect your salvation; diligently seek wisdom and walk in the path of righteousness, for the Lord is good, and His mercy endures forever.

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Sirach, Free Will, Wisdom, Righteousness, Sin, Temptation, God’s Will, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, Scripture

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Explore Sirach 15: Choosing Wisdom – God’s Gift of Free Will and the Path to Righteousness. A Coptic Orthodox commentary on free will, sin, and the rewards of choosing righteousness.