Apocrypha matters; Sirach 1

DISCLAIMER: In the first part of this entry, I will explain the Apocrypha in a general matter with regards to Scripture. Noting that I am Baptist, while all of my readers are Catholic, I will base anything I say on Scripture, (or history if need be, I'm not sure what I will write yet). So no getting mad at me for not accepting books as canonical or Scripture, okay?


Basically, the four hundred years between Malachi and John the Baptist, there were no prophets in Israel. (I found a good website with everything you might want to know about the time between the Old and New Testaments. I will leave it in the comments to this entry.) No one was inspired directly by the Holy Spirit and therefore able to write Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16). However, that does not necessarily make the books completely unimportant. While they cannot be used directly to base doctrine on, they are still written in a God-ward direction, and are at least useful to preserve what happened in God's "silent period" and to instill faith. There are plenty of books that aren't Scripture that offer good messages, and I am certain that these are no different. The books are not necessarily bad, but are instead worth reading and, (likely, I haven't read a word yet) useful. Without further ado, onward to Kelli's favorite book! (I will comment verse by verse, I think. As I read. Therefore, you get my reaction.)

"All Wisdom comes from the Lord, and Wisdom is with him forever."

I like where this is going. It reminds me of John 1:1, replacing "Wisdom" with "The Word," which, arguably, could be the same thing.

"Who can count raindrops or the sand along the shore? Who can count the days of eternity? How high is the sky? How wide is the earth? How deep is the ocean? How profound is Wisdom? Can anyone answer these questions?"

Obviously, God.

"Wisdom was created before anything else; understanding has always existed."

John 1 seems to reflect this. Is Wisdom the Word of God, and therefore Jesus? I must keep reading!

"Has anyone ever been shown where Wisdom originates? Does anyone understand her subtle cleverness?"

I guess she isn't Jesus. Oh well, Wisdom is wisdom.

"There is only one who is wise, and we must stand in awe before his throne."

Quite true. God IS omniscient, after all.

"The Lord himself created Wisdom; he saw her and recognized her value, and so he filled everything he made with Wisdom."

Wisdom can be gained from everything. God made our world so. (I had to think about what this verse meant. "Today's English Version," you have betrayed me.)

"He gave some measure of Wisdom to everyone, but poured her out on those who love him."

These lowercase letters on God pronouns are slightly annoying me, but that isn't really relevant. God rewards believers. At the time of this writing, He would be rewarding those who follow the Law and are therefore righteous.

"If you fear the Lord, honor and pride will be yours; you will be crowned with happiness and joy."

I totally called it in the last verse!

"To honor the Lord is a heartfelt delight; it will give you a long and happy life, and at the end of your days all will go well with you. God will bless you on the day of your death."

We are made to glorify God. Honoring Him, therefore, fulfills our purpose, and is delightful and happy. However, the time between death and Rapture deserves its own series of posts, so I'm not touching that right now.

"To fear the Lord is the first step to Wisdom. Wisdom is given to the faithful in their mothers' wombs."

First part granted. Second part seems very predestination-y and really downplays free will. Another topic I could write a lot about.

"She has lived with us from ancient times, and generations to come will rely on her."

Well, since Wisdom was created by God, long before any of us were born, and before any of these 2nd century BC people were born, either, I agree. Obviously, we rely on wisdom.

"To fear the Lord is Wisdom at her fullest; she satisfies us completely with her gifts and fills our homes and our barns with all that our hearts can desire."

Okay, now, Wisdom. Back off. You are moving in on God's territory with the gift giving.

"To fear the Lord is the flower of Wisdom that blossoms with peace and good health."

It isn't healthy to have no fear of God. Omnipotence + divine wrath = bad times for you, at least after death.

"She sends knowledge and understanding like the rain, and increases the honor of those who receive her. To fear the Lord is the root of Wisdom; her branches are long life."

Okay, maybe Wisdom isn't trying to find her way into the Trinity. Maybe she is just... wisdom. Also, I like the symbolism on reverence for God leading to a wise life. Naturally, wisdom tends to increase lifespan.

"There is no excuse for unjustified anger; it can bring about your downfall."

I can't think of a New Testament verse that justifies anger, so agreed.

"Wait and be patient, and later you will be glad you did."

Hmm... out of context, this has special meaning for me.

"Keep quiet until the right time to speak, and you will gain reputation for good sense."

Someone famous said this, but their name escapes me.

"Wisdom has a treasury of wise sayings, but sinners have nothing but contempt for godliness."

Agreed.

"If you want to be wise, keep the Lord's commands, and he will give you Wisdom in abundance."

"If you love me, keep my commandments." Salvation seems to replace Wisdom as a reward.

"Fearing the Lord is Wisdom and an education in itself. He is please by loyalty and humility. Be faithful in the practice of your religion; when you worship the Lord, do it with all you heart."

I know this verse is referenced in the New Testament, but the passage escapes me.

"Be careful about what you say, and don't be a hypocrite."

Good advice. Makes you look stupid.

"Don't be arrogant; you may suffer a fall and be disgraced."

"Pride" and "falls" tend to come up often outside of scripture.

"The Lord will reveal your secrets and humiliate you in front of everyone in the synagogue, because you did not come there with reverence for the Lord, but with a heart full of hypocrisy."

I kind of wish this still happened. There are a lot of hypocritical "Christians" nowadays. They would be better off being humiliated now than when it is too late.



Overall, this is shaping up to be a pretty nice advice book. Shall I continue reading? Yes, I think so.