An Apocryphal book mainly of maxims (resembling Proverbs in that respect)
1In general Ben Sira voices the wholesome Jewish attitude toward labor:
2The book containing the writings of Ben Sira was known under a variety of titles.
3Apparently the first half of the book consists of notes based on Ben Sira's early teachings.
4The writings of Ben Sira reveal the close connection between the earlier wise and the later scribes.
5The Teachings of Ben Sira.
6In Ben Sira's stalwart faith and simple trust there is also much that reminds us of the Greater than Solomon.
7Even though he lacked the inspiration of future hope, Ben Sira taught loyalty to God and fidelity to every duty.
8The book in its earlier form was evidently known to Ben Sira, the author of Ecclesiasticus, who lived about 180 B.C.
9The bitter rivalry and growing hatred that resulted from this act are reflected even in the wisdom teachings of Ben Sira (B.
10In 6:32-37 Ben Sira has given a vivid sketch of the schools of the wise, which are clearly the forerunners of the later rabbinical schools:
11Ben Sira refers to banquets with their accompaniments of music and wine.
12In the second century BCE, Jesus ben Sira, a devout Jew of Jerusalem, painted a similar portrait of Wisdom.
13Ben Sira, or Sirach, was apparently his family name, while Jesus is the Greek equivalent of Jeshua or Joshua.
14Ben Sira vaguely recognized this, and sought to reconcile these two types of civilization; but in the second century B.C.
15Ben Sira has given a vivid picture of the domestic, economic, and social life of the Jews of his age.
16Ben Sira in his review of Israel's heroes speaks in highest terms of Nehemiah, but knows nothing of Ezra's work.
Translations for Ben Sira