Sirach: Practical Moral Formation
Practical Wisdom Rooted in Faith
Main Sections
Introduction to Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)
Tidbits from Sirach
Why Sirach is Perfect for young men and women
Reading Structure for Sirach (7-Week Plan)
Detailed Discussion Questions for Sirach Study
Sirach in the Roman Catholic Lectionary: A Summary
Canonical History of Sirach
Introduction to Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)
Who Wrote It?
Ben Sira (Jesus son of Sirach), a Jewish teacher and scribe in Jerusalem around 200 BC. His grandson later translated it into Greek around 130 BC and added a helpful prologue.
What Is It?
Think of it as a practical manual for living wisely - combining timeless wisdom with Jewish faith. Ben Sira was essentially a guidance counselor, teacher, and spiritual mentor rolled into one, writing for his students about how to navigate real life successfully.
Why Was It Written?
The Jewish world was being overwhelmed by Greek culture and values. Ben Sira wanted to show that Jewish wisdom and faith provided the best foundation for a successful, meaningful life - not Greek philosophy or secular approaches.
See at end of the article the section: Canonical History of Sirach
What Makes It Special?
Extremely practical: Covers everything from friendship to business to marriage to table manners
Real-world focused: Not abstract philosophy, but concrete situations you actually face
Faith-integrated: Shows how to live faithfully in ordinary circumstances
Mentor's voice: Reads like advice from a wise grandfather who genuinely cares about your success
Main Themes:
Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom
Character matters more than circumstances
Practical wisdom for relationships, work, and daily decisions
Balance in all things - neither extreme poverty nor excessive wealth
Honor and reputation built through consistent right living
How to Read It:
Don't expect a linear argument like Paul's letters. It's more like proverbs with extended commentary - practical wisdom organized by themes. Some chapters focus on one topic, others mix various pieces of advice.
Why It Matters Today:
In a world full of conflicting advice about success, relationships, and happiness, Sirach offers time-tested wisdom grounded in faith. It's particularly valuable for young people making major life decisions about career, relationships, and character formation.
Bottom Line:
Sirach is your wise mentor in book form - helping you make good decisions, build strong character, and live successfully according to God's design.
Connection to the Rosary:
It's fascinating that Sirach appears so frequently in rosary meditations! The book's emphasis on practical holiness - living faithfully in ordinary circumstances - perfectly complements the mysteries of Christ's life that we contemplate.
This structure gives young men and women bite-sized sections with real-world application and good discussion opportunities.
See this article for traditional mysteries of the rosary meditations using Verses from: Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Sirach, Wisdom of Solomon, Judith, Tobit and Isaiah.
Tidbits from Sirach:
Two examples from article “The Amazing Book of Sirach”
Part of the Lord’s Prayer may have its roots in Sirach. Christ said to his followers, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matt. 6:14).
Sirach advises, “Forgive your neighbor the wrong he has done, and then your sins will be pardoned when you pray” (28:2).The Lord’s Prayer, which includes this thought, has been prayed for centuries. Paul wrote in Romans, “Weep with those who weep” (12:15).
It is written in Sirach, “Do not fail those who weep, but mourn with those who mourn” (7:34).
More examples of Sirach's influence:
Many maxims we are familiar with today probably have had their origins in Sirach.
“Virtue is its own reward”
sounds very much like: “Whoever does good has his reward” (Sir. 16:14).We have also heard that “birds of a feather flock together.”
Sirach says: “Birds flock with their kind” (27:9).
We have been cautioned that “where there is smoke there is fire,” which actually has more than one meaning.
Sirach also gives this warning: “The vapor and smoke of the furnace precede the fire; so insults precede bloodshed” (22:24).We have been warned, “Let the buyer beware.”
Sirach explains why: “As a stake is driven firmly into a fissure between stones, so sin is wedged in between selling and buying” (27:2).With tongue in cheek, we may even say that Sirach prefigured the lottery:
“It is easy in the sight of the Lord to enrich a poor man quickly and suddenly” (11:21).But there are also cautions about wealth in Sirach. The one I like best is found in Sirach 12:8: “A friend will not be known in prosperity, nor will an enemy be hidden in adversity.”
Additional New Testament Connections and Sirach:
James and Sirach on Wisdom:
James 1:5: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God".
Sirach 51:13: "While I was still young...I sought wisdom openly in my prayer".
James and Sirach on Speech:
James 3:5: "The tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things".
Sirach 28:18: "Many have fallen by the edge of the sword, but not as many as have fallen because of the tongue".
Matthew on Worry:
Matthew 6:25: "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink".
Sirach 30:24: "Do not give your heart to grief; drive it away, and remember the last end".
Luke on Hospitality:
Luke 14:12-14: "When you give a dinner...invite the poor, the maimed".
Sirach 29:23: "Better is the life of a poor man under the shelter of his roof than sumptuous food in another man's house".
More Familiar Sayings with Sirach Origins:
"Pride goes before a fall":
Sirach 10:13: "The beginning of pride is when one departs from the Lord".
"A good name is better than riches":
Sirach 41:12: "Have regard for your name, since it will remain for you longer than a thousand hoards of gold".
"You can't take it with you":
Sirach 14:15: "You cannot take everything with you when you die".
"Money can't buy happiness":
Sirach 30:16: "Better is a poor man who is well and strong in constitution than a rich man who is severely afflicted in body".
"Actions speak louder than words":
Sirach 20:27: "A wise man advances himself by his words, and a man of sense pleases the great".
Cultural Wisdom That Sounds Modern:
"Time heals all wounds":
Sirach 38:20: "Do not give your heart to grief; drive it away, and remember the last end".
"Choose your battles":
Sirach 8:1: "Do not contend with a powerful man, lest you fall into his hands".
"Don't burn bridges":
Sirach 22:22: "Though you have drawn your sword against a friend, do not despair, for there is a way back".
Beautiful Poetic Passages:
On Friendship:
"A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter;
he who has found one has found a treasure.
There is nothing so precious as a faithful friend,
and no scales can measure his excellence.
A faithful friend is an elixir of life." (6:14-16)
On True Beauty:
"A woman's beauty delights the countenance,
and a man desires nothing more.
If kindness and humility mark her speech,
her husband is not like other men." (36:22-23)
On the Power of Wisdom:
"Wisdom breathes life into her children
and gives help to those who seek her.
Whoever loves her loves life,
and those who seek her early will be filled with joy." (4:12-13)
On God's Creation:
"By his word all things hold together.
We could say more but could never say enough;
let the final word be: 'He is the all'." (43:26-27)
Sirach really is a treasure trove of wisdom that has shaped Western thought and Christian spirituality for centuries! The book's practical wisdom has become so embedded in our culture that we often don't realize we're quoting ancient Jewish wisdom literature.
Why Sirach is Perfect for young men and women:
Practical Life Guidance
How to choose friends wisely (Ch. 6, 22)
Managing money and business dealings (Ch. 29, 42)
Work ethic and craftsmanship (Ch. 38)
How to speak and when to stay silent (Ch. 20, 28)
Relationships and Social Wisdom
How to treat women respectfully (Ch. 9, 25, 36)
Marriage and family life (Ch. 7, 25-26)
Dealing with different types of people (throughout)
Navigating social situations and authority (Ch. 13, 32)
Character Formation
Humility vs. pride (Ch. 3, 10)
Self-control and moderation (Ch. 18-19)
Courage and perseverance (Ch. 2)
Honor and reputation (Ch. 41)
Real-world focus: Unlike some wisdom literature that's more abstract, Sirach deals with concrete situations young men and women actually face.
Mentor's voice: Ben Sira writes like an experienced grandfather giving practical advice - it's not preachy but genuinely helpful.
Comprehensive: Covers everything from table manners to business ethics to romantic relationships.
Faith integration: Shows how to live faithfully in the real world, not in isolation.
It's basically a manual for Christian development - practical wisdom rooted in faith. Perfect for young men and women navigating adult responsibilities and relationships.
Reading Structure for Sirach (7-Week Plan)
Another option is to read the book of Sirach in total. Here is a reading plan followed by a set of questions to aid your meditation/understanding of the book.
Week 1: Foundation (Chapters 1-6) Theme: Fear of the Lord and True Friendship
Ch. 1-2: Wisdom begins with fear of the Lord
Ch. 3-4: Honoring parents, humility, caring for the poor
Ch. 5-6: Speech, friendship, seeking wisdom
Week 2: Relationships (Chapters 7-12) Theme: Family, Social Relations, Generosity
How to treat family, friends, servants, the poor
When to be generous and when to be cautious
Week 3: Wisdom in Action (Chapters 13-20) Theme: Practical Social Wisdom
Rich vs. poor, choosing companions, self-control
The power of speech and silence
Week 4: More Practical Wisdom (Chapters 21-29) Theme: Character Formation
Folly vs. wisdom, humility, work, lending money
Teaching children, self-discipline
Week 5: Daily Life (Chapters 30-36) Theme: Health, Wealth, Women, Prayer
Physical health, good living, marriage
Prayer for Israel
Week 6: Vocations and Callings (Chapters 37-43) Theme: Work, Friendship, God's Creation
Choosing advisors, different occupations
Praise of God's works in creation
Week 7: Heroes and Conclusion (Chapters 44-51) Theme: Learning from the Past
"Praise of the Fathers" - biblical heroes
Ben Sira's personal thanksgiving
Detailed Discussion Questions for Sirach Study
Week 1: Foundation (Chapters 1-6)
Chapter 1-2 Questions:
According to 1:14, "fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Give three practical examples of what this looks like in a young man's daily decisions.
Chapter 2:1-6 talks about preparing for trials. What's one area of your life where you need to "steel your heart" and trust God more?
How does 1:22 ("resentful anger cannot be justified") challenge how you typically handle frustration or conflict?
Chapter 3-4 Questions:
3:12-13 gives specific advice about caring for aging parents. What does this look like practically in our culture?
4:1-6 repeatedly mentions not ignoring the poor. Name three specific ways a young man your age can "not avert your eyes from the needy."
How do you balance 3:17 ("conduct your affairs with humility") with the need to be confident and assertive in today's world?
Chapter 5-6 Questions:
6:5-17 gives a detailed process for making true friends. Which stage of this process do you find most challenging?
According to 6:14, a faithful friend is "a sturdy shelter." Describe what this looks like in practice - give specific examples.
5:11-13 warns about being "swift to hear" but slow to answer. How does this apply to social media and texting conversations?
Week 2: Relationships (Chapters 7-12)
Chapter 7 Questions:
7:18-19 says "do not dismiss a sensible and good wife, for her charm is worth more than gold." What specific qualities would you look for that show "sense" and "goodness"?
7:23-25 gives advice about daughters, but what principles apply to how men should treat all women respectfully?
How do you apply 7:14 ("do not repeat a conversation") in an age of gossip, social media, and group chats?
Chapter 8-9 Questions:
8:1-2 warns about quarreling with powerful people. When is it worth standing up to authority, and when is it wisest to stay quiet?
9:1-9 gives detailed advice about relationships with women. What's the underlying principle that applies to all relationships with the opposite sex?
8:17 says "take counsel with a wise man." Who are the "wise men" in your life, and how do you actively seek their counsel?
Chapter 10-12 Questions:
10:7-8 talks about how pride is the root of sin. Give three specific examples of how pride shows up in young men and women's lives today.
12:1-7 discusses when to help others and when to be cautious. How do you discern between genuine need and manipulation?
What does 11:28 ("call no one happy before his death") teach about not judging success too quickly?
Week 3: Wisdom in Action (Chapters 13-20)
Chapter 13-14 Questions:
13:1 says "whoever touches pitch gets dirty." What are the "pitch" influences in your life that you need to be more careful about?
13:15-20 warns about socializing mainly with people much richer or more powerful. Why is this dangerous, and when might this advice not apply?
How do you balance 14:11-16 (enjoy good things) with 14:3-10 (warnings about greed)?
Chapter 15-17 Questions:
15:11-20 emphasizes personal responsibility - "do not say 'it was God's doing that I fell away.'" Where do you tend to blame circumstances instead of taking responsibility?
16:24-17:14 describes human dignity and responsibility. How does this view of humanity affect how you treat others?
What does 17:19-24 teach about God's forgiveness, and how should this affect how you handle your own mistakes?
Chapter 18-20 Questions:
18:30-19:3 warns about self-control, especially regarding desire and wine. What specific areas of self-control do you struggle with most?
19:4-12 gives detailed advice about repeating what you hear. How do you decide what conversations to keep confidential?
20:5-8 discusses the wisdom of silence. Describe a recent situation where you should have listened more and talked less.
Week 4: More Practical Wisdom (Chapters 21-29)
Chapter 21-23 Questions:
21:1-10 describes how to deal with sin and temptation. What's your practical strategy for "fleeing from sin like a snake"?
22:27-23:6 is a prayer for help with speech. What specific ways do you struggle with your words (gossip, lying, harsh words, etc.)?
23:7-15 warns about oaths and casual swearing. How does this apply to how you speak casually with friends?
Chapter 24-26 Questions:
Chapter 24 personifies Wisdom. What does it mean that Wisdom "came forth from the mouth of the Most High" (24:3)?
25:1 lists three things that are beautiful. What three things would you add to your own list of "beautiful" life achievements?
26:1-4 and 13-18 praise good wives. What character qualities mentioned here would you want to develop in yourself?
Chapter 27-29 Questions:
27:4-7 says people are tested by their conversation. What do your typical conversations reveal about your character?
28:13-26 extensively discusses the damage of gossip and slander. Describe one time when gossip seriously hurt someone you know.
29:1-20 gives detailed advice about lending money. What principles would you apply to lending money to friends or family?
Week 5: Daily Life (Chapters 30-36)
Chapter 30-31 Questions:
30:1-13 discusses disciplining children. What did you learn from how your parents disciplined you - what worked and what didn't?
31:12-31 gives detailed etiquette for banquets and drinking. What principles apply to social situations today (parties, dinners, etc.)?
How do you balance 31:27-28 (wine is good in moderation) with the need to avoid addiction and set good examples?
Chapter 32-33 Questions:
32:1-13 describes how to behave in social gatherings. Which of these guidelines do you find most challenging to follow?
33:7-15 talks about God creating opposites and balance. How do you find balance between work and rest, seriousness and fun?
What does 33:16-18 teach about taking responsibility for your own decisions rather than just following others?
Chapter 34-36 Questions:
34:1-8 warns about trusting dreams and omens. What modern equivalents (horoscopes, superstitions, etc.) do people rely on instead of wisdom?
35:1-11 discusses worship and sacrifice. What does genuine worship look like in your daily life?
36:1-17 is a prayer for Israel. How do you pray for your country and community?
Week 6: Vocations and Callings (Chapters 37-43)
Chapter 37-38 Questions:
37:7-15 gives detailed advice about choosing counselors. How do you evaluate whether someone's advice is trustworthy?
38:1-15 discusses doctors and medicine. How do you balance trusting medical professionals with trusting God?
38:24-39:11 compares different occupations. How do you discern what work/career God is calling you to?
Chapter 39-41 Questions:
39:12-35 praises God's works in creation. What aspects of nature most clearly show you God's wisdom and power?
40:1-11 discusses the hardships common to all humans. How do you maintain hope and purpose during difficult times?
41:1-13 talks about death and reputation. What kind of reputation do you want to leave behind?
Chapter 42-43 Questions:
42:15-25 begins an extended praise of God's creation. Choose one aspect of creation and explain how it reveals God's character.
43:27-33 concludes that God's works are beyond full understanding. How does this affect your approach to faith and doubt?
What does this section teach about balancing scientific understanding with religious faith?
Week 7: Heroes and Conclusion (Chapters 44-51)
Chapter 44-47 Questions:
44:1-15 introduces the "praise of famous men." What makes someone's life worth remembering?
Looking at the heroes mentioned (Enoch, Noah, Abraham, etc.), what common characteristics do they share?
47:12-22 discusses Solomon's wisdom and downfall. What can you learn from both his success and his failures?
Chapter 48-50 Questions:
48:1-16 describes Elijah and Elisha. What does it mean to have "zeal for the Lord" in today's world?
50:1-21 praises Simon the high priest for his leadership. What qualities of good leadership do you see here?
How do these biblical heroes inspire you in your own faith journey?
Chapter 51 Questions:
51:1-12 is Ben Sira's personal thanksgiving prayer. What are you most grateful for in your own life?
51:13-22 describes his search for wisdom. What practical steps will you take to continue growing in wisdom?
Looking back over the whole book, what's one piece of practical wisdom you want to implement in your life?
These questions are designed to help young men and women really engage with the text and apply its wisdom to their daily lives.
Sirach in the Roman Catholic Lectionary: A Summary
Liturgical Prominence
Sirach appears more frequently in the Catholic lectionary than most other deuterocanonical books, with seven Sunday readings and fifteen weekday readings throughout the liturgical year. This extensive use demonstrates the Church's confidence in the book's formative value for Christian living.
Key Liturgical Themes
The Church strategically employs Sirach for practical moral formation, emphasizing:
Family relationships (especially parent-child duties on Holy Family Sunday)
Character formation through humility, forgiveness, and wise speech
Social justice and care for the marginalized
Wisdom as divine gift that shapes daily decisions
Free will and moral responsibility in making righteous choices
Formative Impact Through Liturgical Seasons
Advent: Sirach's portrait of Elijah's "fiery zeal" prepares hearts for Christ's coming Ordinary Time: Systematic two-week sequence (Weeks 7-8, Year I) provides comprehensive "Wisdom 101" formation Saint's Feasts: Sirach readings highlight legacy, scholarly devotion, and faithful relationships
Pastoral Rhythms Throughout the Year
The Church uses Sirach to address universal human experiences: marriage preparation, family conflicts, workplace ethics, and social relationships. The readings provide practical guidance rather than abstract theology, making them accessible for diverse congregations.
Practical Formation Effects
Regular exposure to Sirach through the lectionary offers Catholics:
Systematic character development through biblical wisdom
Integration of faith and daily life rather than compartmentalized spirituality
Moral formation that addresses real-world decisions and relationships
Cultural wisdom that has shaped Western Christian thought for centuries
Catechetical Impact
Sirach serves as a "bridge text" helping Catholics connect Old Testament wisdom with New Testament ethics. The book's practical focus makes it particularly effective for adult faith formation and marriage preparation programs, where concrete guidance is more valuable than theological abstractions.
Unique Liturgical Position
Unlike purely devotional or historical biblical books, Sirach functions as the Church's "handbook for Christian living" - providing practical wisdom that directly applies to contemporary moral challenges while maintaining deep spiritual roots in the fear of the Lord.
This summary captures Sirach's role as formational literature that the Church uses systematically to shape mature Christian character through regular liturgical exposure.
This reinforces why Sirach is so valuable for young men and women's study - the Church herself uses it as a primary textbook for wisdom formation.
Canonical History of Sirach
Early Jewish Reception (200-100 BC)
Widely read and respected in Jewish communities
Quoted by Jewish writers and found among the Dead Sea Scrolls
However: Never included in the official Hebrew canon (Tanakh)
Key reason: Written too late (200 BC) - after the perceived end of prophecy
Also: Originally written in Hebrew but survived mainly in Greek translation
Early Christian Acceptance (1st-4th centuries AD)
Immediately embraced by Christian communities
Heavily quoted by Church Fathers (Clement, Origen, Jerome, Augustine)
Used liturgically and for moral instruction
Treated as Scripture alongside other biblical books
Why Christians accepted it: They used the Greek Septuagint, which included Sirach
Official Catholic Recognition
Council of Rome (382 AD): Listed among canonical books
Council of Carthage (397 AD): Formally affirmed as canonical
Council of Trent (1546 AD): Definitively declared canonical in response to Protestant challenges
Reasoning: Long use in the Church, apostolic tradition, spiritual value
Jewish Rejection (circa 90-100 AD)
Council of Jamnia (if it existed) excluded it from Hebrew canon
Criteria used: Had to be written in Hebrew, before Ezra, in Palestine, and conform to Torah
Sirach failed on: Date (too recent) and possibly original language questions
Modern Judaism: Still not considered canonical, though respected
Protestant Reformation (16th century)
Luther's principle: "Scripture alone" based on Hebrew canon
Reasoning: If Jews didn't accept it, neither should Christians
Status: Moved to "Apocrypha" - useful but not authoritative
Result: Removed from Protestant Bibles or relegated to separate section
Eastern Orthodox Position
Generally accepted as canonical (part of the "Anagignoskomena")
Slight variations between different Orthodox churches
Similar reasoning to Catholics: Long church use and spiritual authority
Why the Differences Persist:
Catholics: Emphasize church tradition and the authority of councils
Protestants: Emphasize Hebrew canon and Jewish reception
Orthodox: Similar to Catholics with liturgical tradition emphasis
Jews: Focus on antiquity and Hebrew composition
Practical Impact:
Despite canonical disagreements, Sirach remains:
Historically valuable for understanding Second Temple Judaism
Practically useful for wisdom and ethics across all traditions
Academically studied by scholars of all backgrounds
Spiritually enriching even for those who don't consider it canonical
The canonical status affects authority claims, but not the book's historical or practical value for understanding Jewish wisdom tradition and early Christian thought.