CHAPTER 36 Prayer for the Salvation of Israel (S36: 1-9) (23-28) In marriage, the man chooses to marry his partner that is suitable for him, and the beauty is not everything in the marriage, whoever find the virtuous woman, will find her price is more than pearls, and the woman has the freedom to agree or reject any man. And the partnership is an important subject needs prayers and fasting and secretion and wisdom, and the Lord is the one that chooses the appropriate person for you. As for the person that runs after the beauty only, he is deceived of desires. There is a well-known saying, that when the woman is described as a blond, means that she will use her beauty to reach her purposes, but to her mind and wisdom, unfortunately, cannot use them. The wise woman that has a wise tongue, such as Abigual is the cause of the entire blessing of the house and her husband would be a very happy as she is a great support for him to rest. CHAPTER 37 2. As for the friend, who begins a relationship for the benefit, such a friendship is unsuccessful and often lead to hostility. 3. Here, he indicates that everyone is free to make the good or the evil. The person, who follows the evil, his end is evil. And here is (the invention), in the sense (the tendency within the human) that the man has the tendency to learn to the evil or to the good. 4. How many friends enjoy the benefits of friendships, but unfortunately, when time is tough, they turn on each other, such as the bad son and his bad friends. Their friendships are like the birds and trees full of fruits, when reap the fruits, fly to another tree. 5. There is the one, who helps his friend at the time of difficulties, and in war carry the gears to defend his friend. Meaning he helps a friend in time of need. 6. Never forget your friend, especially if your condition has improved, the one who was with you during the hard time, do not snob him or forget him at the easy time. Do not consult with a woman about the second wife, of course she will say things against her, and this is something expected to before even ask her. Do not consult a coward in the war, because he is a coward and will give you a hundred excuses for not to fight. Do not consult with the trader in the trade, because he wants the deal for himself and will not tell you the truth, Do not consult the envier in gratitude toward a person done good thing for you, and you want to reward him, the envier does not know the meaning of gratitude in order to guide you. Do not consult with the estrange person in tenderness, in some cases, we find some estrangement in people, in the sense of (arrogant), you cannot consult with them about tenderness as they will advise you to be harsh and unkind like them. Do not consult with the lazy person about serious work, he will certainly make you lazy like him, and will advise you not to do such work. Do not consult with the casual employee who works for a limited period, as you cannot entrust him to do a small job for a short time as he will be interested in working as long as possible, because he will have no work when finish. And do not ask the idle slave to do too much work. Do not consult with all of these in work they don’t do, it is better to consult the appropriate person to get the appropriate advice that suits him. (15-19) But the righteous person, who fears the Lord and follows the commandments, will guide you, using the commandments of God and his education, and consult a person similar to you, who will have the same level of education as you are or the same religion. And the best one to consult is the father of confession, he knows your circumstances very well and your spiritual degree, and knows what suits you, so if you fall, you will find him beside you praying for you. And also you must be satisfied with this advice as you are the persons that will use it. If you are not happy with it, how will you be able to implement it? Also, if the advice were not successful, you will suffer from it. A person must sit with himself and request God's guidance by praying, and the best way is the prayer and the intercession with the saints as they are able to help us understand. If it was a problem, and you are victimized, send Abu Sefen or Marjirjis to it as they are known as being supportive and understanding of the oppressed, and some have said St. Dmianp. But, if we intercede to all the saints, they will run to help us. For every intercession for you and for every saint special particular, such as St. Wins and St. Mehraiil, they help us to find missing things. (22-25) Someone is wise and able to help people, but unfortunately cannot benefit himself. And someone is alleged that he is wise, but unfortunately, his actions show he does not know anything. The wisdom is for the wise man to know his people, and the fruits of his mind are valid, and he talks wisely and his dealings with people also wisely, and to be a blessed man, and got this blessing from the Lord God of the blessings. And be in control of food, especially at the tables, because they have certain ethics and all the people are watching. Do not be a binge eater, because too much food brings disease, many of us now heard about the disease of blood pressure, high cholesterol and others. All of these diseases are from eating. Many died because of eating too much, especially when doctors warned them from eating too much sugary or fatty food, but they do not listen to the doctor’s advice, so ending their lives quickly. Unlike the person, who eats less and cares for his weight and his life, he is a human being in good health. CHAPTER 38 (12) Ask the lord for recover and repent. And Jacob, the prophet says: "14 Is any man sick among you? Let him bring in the priests of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick man: and the Lord shall raise him up: and if he be in sins, they shall be forgiven him." (James5: 14, 15). However, also do not forget to ask the doctor, As the Lord is the creator of a doctor, and he is the one, who guide him by the prayers curing the patient and the prayers of the Father priest who comes to visit the patient with the blessed holy oil. And Let us not forget that the Apostle Luke was a doctor. (13-15) And in some instances, the cure comes by the doctors because they invoke to the Lord to help them succeed on their work and give comfort and healing in order to save the lives of patients. The patient feels weak and fear, which helped him to repentance, but sometimes the disease, is for the reason of recovering from a particular sin, which hard to come out except by illness. Sometimes illness becomes a cure for some arrogant people. Total treatment happened when the person is humble and does not forget himself, and believes that he can do everything with his money. Sometime the illness does not cure by medicine or treatment, but only by repenting to God for saving him from this experience. If the doctor is also a spiritual man, he can greatly help in curing the patient, because it gives the body treatment, which heals the body, and gives the spirit the Words of God, which would calm it, relieve it and never abandon it. There was a doctor that I know personally, Dr. Samir Tawadros, he was a spiritual man and a servant at the church. He used to assure every patient with the words of God, gives him hope in the healing and the strength of God, he was giving the physical treatment and the spiritual treatment. I personally know a man has serenaded to sadness and grief after the death of one of his relatives. He used to go to the cemetery every holiday, and ends his relationship with people and squats around himself and with his sadness, has destroyed his life. That is a bad sadness, and the Lord rejected it, because He considered that it is an objection to His wishes, it is the will of God. And the wise man knows that grief has no benefit, but it is causing the problems and many diseases associated with sadness and, ultimately, grief does not restore the Dead Again, because you do not benefit the dead, but you hurt yourself. And remember that everyone will have his time, and if today was the Dead, tomorrow is your time. The wise man is the man who is ready, such as the wise virgins. And the dead man has had a spell from the problems of this world, and he is now in a better place. So, why do you exhaust yourself? The dead man is like the prisoner who released from jail, so, we say to him, "Congratulations." Therefore, we must not grieve for the dead, but on the contrary, we say to him, we hope the Lord help us, as He helped you. And the church arranged for the third prayer for the disposal of the spirit of sadness, and allows the family to eat something, as they usually lose appetite for any food when one of the most cherished sons departs. It narrated one of the archbishops that, the young server has died, his wife, every day, used to go to sleep in tears and sadness, her dead husband used to come to her in her dream with his clothes torn, until came the day when she went to sleep and was with God’s will be satisfied, he came to her smiling and feeling happy. (37-39) And, without them, people do not travel and do not live, but they are not invited to work in the upper or the lower house of parliament, and they are not distinguished in the group to serve as judges and rule makers and doctrine. However, they all have the interest only in their industry and their skills and their land. Unfortunately, many people who are busy with their workday and night, they fail in their home lives and lose their children and their spiritual life. They are wise in their works, and will gather wealth but unfortunately, losing their eternal life, and their children and their homes. CHAPTER 39 And his name passes from generation to generation and people pass his words and use his wisdom. And if the Lord increases his age, people will benefit more from him, but if he died, his memory is indelible and not erased his work to become immortal. 25 He seeth from eternity to eternity, and there is nothing wonderful before him. 26 There is no saying: What is this, or what is that? for all things shall be sought in their time. 27 His blessing hath overflowed like a river. 28 And as a flood hath watered the earth; so shall his wrath inherit the nations, that have not sought after him: 29 Even as he turned the waters into a dry land, and the earth was made dry: and his ways were made plain for their journey: so to sinners they are stumblingblocks in his wrath. 30 Good things were created for the good from the beginning, so for the wicked, good and evil things. 31 The principal things necessary for the life of men, are water, fire, and iron, salt, milk, and bread of flour, and honey, and the cluster of the grape, and oil, and clothing. 32 All these things shall be for good to the holy, so to the sinners and the ungodly they shall be turned into evil. 33 There are spirits that are created for vengeance, and in their fury they lay on grievous torments. 34 In the time of destruction they shall pour out their force: and they shall appease the wrath of him that made them. 35 Fire, hail, famine, and death, all these were created for vengeance. 36 The teeth of beasts, and scorpions, and serpents, and the sword taking vengeance upon the ungodly unto destruction. 37 In his commandments they shall feast, and they shall be ready upon earth when need is, and when their time is come they shall not transgress his word. 38 Therefore from the beginning I was resolved, and I have meditated, and thought on these things and left them in writing. 39 All the works of the Lord are good, and he will furnish every work in due time. 40 It is not to be said: This is worse than that: for all shall be well approved in their time. 41 Now therefore with the whole heart and mouth praise ye him, and bless the name of the Lord." (16) Here, the son of Sirach indicates that he is like the moon or full enlightening crescent. (17-20) here calls on his students and his faithful children to grow up, and flowering, and educate, and spread your education that you have received from the wisdom of God. And send the smell of your education and spread it like incense over each one that you know, and glorify and bless the Lord for all his works. (21-22) glorify the name of the Lord; glorify his name by singing hymns using musical instruments. The works of the Lord are all recompense, and the works of God are always for the good at the human, but, unfortunately, it is difficult for the limited human knowledge to know the unlimited will of the Lord. (23) With the word of God, the water turns into the cloud, and with his words, the cloud becomes rain. With the power of God, using the prophets, the red sea has split, and with the power of the Lord, and using the prophet Moses, the water returned as it was originally. (24-25) The works of every person are exposed in front of the Lord, nothing is hidden from his eyes, and his site extends from epoch to an epoch, and there is nothing is strange to him. (26-27) No one says what is this? And why is that? Because everything created by the wisdom of God, and who does not understand now, the time will come for him to know it after a while, because everything was created for the benefit of human beings. The blessings of the Lord were flooded as a river, a reference to the river Nile floods, which came with all the goodness. (28) As the Lord blesses the people, such as blessing the people of Egypt, He also pours his anger on the nations that have rejected Him, and desecrated the land with her sins, as He did in Sodom and Amorp. (29) As the Lord was with his saints, transfers the water into a land, a reference to the miracle of splitting the Red Sea and the Jordan River. And the road (commandments) that will be the cause of life and blessing for his Saints and his choosing, and that will become the condemnation of evil. (30) Here, a reference to that every pure thing is for the pure people, as for the impure and nonbeliever, he has nothing pure for him. "All things are clean to the clean: but to them that are defiled, and to unbelievers, nothing is clean: but both their mind and their conscience are defiled." (Titus1: 15). The article is sacred, but the wrong use is what makes the thing wrong or not. Such as the video and Internet use, we can use it for our benefit and the wisdom of our prayers, and we may use it to destroy ourselves and waist our time, and committed the sins of lust and the sighting of the ugly seen. (31-32) Here, he speaks of some of the things used by people in their daily lives of the living, such as water and fire ... The fire is useful for cooking food, but for evil people could be used for arson. All these benefits for the Pious, but at the same time, it becomes the sparks for sinners. Like diluted wine, which used in the Church in this country for the devout, but too many drink used by the bad people the wrong way like getting drunk. (33-34) Here, he refers to the strong winds, that used to destroy countries, and it is the storms that, in its anger, move mountains. And on the judgment day its strength is prevailed and show the anger of her creator with the evils, and such wicked wind could transfer to become devastating storms as a punishment for the evil, and we pray in the Mass and say give a good mood to the air. (35-36) all of these instruments of punishment for the evils, the Lord created such destruction like the fire and the cold, hunger and death, and predatory animals and scorpions. There are many examples of evils died from drowning, the days of Noah, and the fire, Sodom and Amorp days. (37) All of these instruments at the fingertips of the Lord, and it is happy in implementation of God's command on earth and be ready to implement his will, such as what happened in the story of Greece so that the whale heard the Lord and obeyed him. (38) Here, the writer likes to say, in conclusion, and announces that he is optimistic: Everything works by God willing, and has a purpose in everything. A person does not have the right to complain about the pain, and that he does not deserve it, As it may be beneficial to the strengthening of the experiment. (39-41) And everything and all the work of the Lord shall be valid in a timely manner. All we need to do is that we should not rush but wait for the salvation of the Lord. Now pray and praise the Lord with your hearts and bless the name of the Lord. Compare "My mouth will speak your praises, LORD; all flesh will bless your holy name forever." (Psalm145: 21) CHAPTER 40 Healing of the Human There is a story, telling that there was a young man being with the father in a confession session, admitting he needs to get marry, and said to our father, I am single, uncomfortable and tired, and I want to get marry, pray for me my father please. After our father prayed for him, the Lord rewarded him with a virtuous wife. After a period of time, he came back to our father and said, my wife is boring and full of problems, but we think that having a child can solve these problems, so please pray for us to have a child, so our father prayed for both to have a child, and the lord has provided them with a child. However, after the period, he came back to our father and told him the boy cries all the time, and we do not know how to sleep or to eat or do anything and my one problem became three problems. Then, our father said to him, come tomorrow at 9 pm, I need you to help me in something. This young man went to him at the agreed time, our father said to him, take that lamp my son, and come with me, both walked together until they arrived at a large garbage pit, there the father started to search it, the young man asked our father about what is he looking for. Our father said to him, I am looking for the gold, look for it with me my son. The young man kept on searching for a while, and when he did not find any gold, he told our father: Is it possible to look for gold in a pile of rubbish? Our father reply, is it reasonable to consider that you build a comfortable life and happiness here in this world? The world full of trouble and problems, but the real comfort is in heaven because it is the place of our comfort. So we always headed towards the sky. (2-4) The topic of death or talking about death worry the heart, and many are scared, kings or poor people, all are scared of death, because they are not ready, but the person, who is ready and focuses on the kingdom of heaven as his primary objective is not afraid of death at all. His Holiness Pope Shenouda III says: The person must die one day, it is better for him to die for something useful. (9-11) The death, the blood, the rivalry, the sword, the destruction, the disasters, the hunger and the plagues, all these misfortunes have been brought by evils on earth, because of their evil, as it did happen in the days of the flood, and the destruction of Sodom and Amorp. Earth Obeys human, if the person of the person is righteous, the earth will give him from her goods. Look at the blessing of earth in the monasteries. However, if the people are evils, the earth refuses to give them its blessings. And, as the Lord said in the Book of Genesis: "And to Adam he said: Because thou hast hearkened to the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldst not eat, cursed is the earth in thy work; with labour and toil shalt thou eat thereof all the days of thy life." (Genesis3: 17). The earth was cursed because of the human. However, inside the monastery of Anba Beshwe, there is, within its walls, lots of good and greens but outside the walls to find the desert and drought, because inside the monastery the monks water the plants with their prayers and tears, and out there are the hatred and hostility and fatigue. (14-17) rejoices at the oppressors, when they extend their hands and fill with money, even if it is money from injustice, but because they are oppressors, they will finish together with their money. The Lord will not bless the children of the hypocrites, who learn from their father the injustice, as He will not bless their children offspring too. Like the plants, which grow on rock or on the shore of the river, which is unfounded and easily extracted. Generosity makes life happy and good work never forgotten no matter how long the time passes, it is never forgotten, on earth or in heaven. (22) The eye enjoys beauty and glamour, but the farm, that is full of vegetables and fruits, is more beautiful than that. (23) The friend and the company are just friends, but the relationship between a woman and her husband is more than that, because they are not two bodies, they became one body. As the book says a man leaves his father and his mother and stick to his woman, and both become one flesh. (24) Friends are the ones who show up the time of need, and the companies help in the hard time, but better than all that is giving charity to needy people. (27-28) God Fearful man does not fail, because they fear of the Lord is like blessing paradise and its glory is above all glories, and fears of the Lord is joy of the heart, and wealth and glory and peace that is better than the blessing of people. (32) The beggar is always asking about begging, like a tune in his mouth, and uses begging as his normal work. As in the mouth and begging to take it as a win, but, unfortunately, the one who does not have the right to beg, all the money he collects is a fire in his belly.
"1 Have mercy upon us, O God of all, and behold us, and shew us the light of thy mercies: 2 And send thy fear upon the nations, that have not sought after thee: that they may know that there is no God beside thee, and that they may shew forth thy wonders. 3 Lift up thy hand over the strange nations, that they may see thy power. 4 For as thou hast been sanctified in us in their sight, so thou shalt be magnified among them in our presence, 5 That they may know thee, as we also have known thee, that there is no God beside thee, O Lord. 6 Renew thy signs, and work new miracles. 7 Glorify thy hand, and thy right arm. 8 Raise up indignation, and pour out wrath. 9 Take away the adversary, and crush the enemy."
The Jewish people were under the occupation of the Greek colonial and the Greek culture had a heavy influence on Jewish culture, that is why the Jews were victims and sad of all that. That is why, at the beginning of the chapter, they say, Lord, see us and show us light and your mercy. And they ask the Lord to frighten the enemy, so they know that there is no God but one God, and that is God of the Israelis. Do wonders and miracles as you did in the Red Sea and extend your strong arm and destroy and smash the enemy and wipe him out.
(S36: 10-14)
"10 Hasten the time, and remember the end, that they may declare thy wonderful works. 11 Let him that escapeth be consumed by the rage of the fire: and let them perish that oppress. thy people. 12 Crush the head of the princes of the enemies that say: There is no other beside us. 13 Gather together all the tribes of Jacob: that they may know that there is no God besides thee, and may declare thy great works: and thou shalt inherit them as from the beginning. 14 Have mercy on thy people, upon whom thy name is invoked: and upon Israel, m whom thou hast raised up to be thy firstborn."
Here, Joshua of Sirach prays and requests the Lord that time passes quickly for the Israelis to gather instead of the scattering, because it was the whish for the gathering of the tribes and avoid scattering. As they thought that the scattering of the tribes will be a temporary and will end with the return of Christ. And they ask the Lord to revenge from the arrogant leaders of the country who say there is no God but their god, because the pagans were the gods of the people, kings and leaders at the same time. Therefore, they ask of the Lord to grant the mercy to Israel because they are the eldest son for the Lord, and so the tender heart of the Lord to intervene and rescue them quickly.
(S36: 15-19)
"15 Have mercy on Jerusalem, the city which thou hast sanctified, the city of thy rest. 16 Fill Sion with thy unspeakable words, and thy people with thy glory. 17 Give testimony to them that are thy creatures from the beginning, and raise up the prophecies which the former prophets spoke in thy name. 18 Reward them that patiently wait for thee, that thy prophets may be found faithful: and hear the prayers of thy servants, 19 According to the blessing of Aaron over thy people, and direct us into the way of justice, and let all know that dwell upon the earth, that thou art God the beholder of all ages."
Jerusalem is a city of peace, and for the Jews, it is everything in their lives. All the political problems of the people of Israel are so far because of the structure and because of Jerusalem itself. Jerusalem was colonized many times, and were destroyed and its walls were demolished, so they ask the Lord to look at their city of Jerusalem, which is the City of God and the city of the great King. Fill Israel with your great miracles and fill your people with your glory and your blessing and witness who did you created for since the beginning and achieved the prophecy which is of your name, and give the one who is waiting for their reward. And please their heart and complete the prophecy of your prophets by the salvation of your people and the arrival of Christ. And please Lord, respond to our prayers and give us the blessing which you have promised to your people for generation. As said Aaron, "22 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 23 Say to Aaron and his sons: Thus shall you bless the children of Israel, and you shall say to them: 24 The Lord bless thee, and keep thee. 25 The Lord shew his face to thee, and have mercy on thee. 26 The Lord turn his countenance to thee, and give thee peace. 27 And they shall invoke my name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them." (Numbers6: 22-27)
(S36: 20-28)
"20 The belly will devour all meat, yet one is better than another. 21 The palate tasteth venison and the wise heart false speeches. 22 A perverse heart will cause grief, and a man of experience will resist it. 23 A woman will receive every man: yet one daughter is better than an- other. 24 The beauty of a woman cheereth the countenance of her husband, and a man desireth nothing more. 25 If she have a tongue that can cure, and likewise mitigate and shew mercy: her husband is not like other men. 26 He that possesseth a good wife, beginneth a possession: she is a help like to himself, and a pillar of rest. 27 Where there is no hedge, the possession shall be spoiled: and where there is no wife, he mourneth that is in want. 28 Who will trust him that hath no rest, and that lodgeth wheresoever the night taketh him, as a robber well appointed, that skippeth from city to city."
(20-22) Here, Joshua of Sirach focuses on the secretion and the screening as a virtue, and he explained that the stomach can eat everything, but there are fine food and tastier food than others. Like the mouth that tastes the food and the meat and knows whether it is fresh or old. This applies to the wise man’s heart, which has the spirit of God in it, which can identify the liar, and this is what happened with the Apostle Peter, when he exposed the lies of Hanania and Safeerah and gained the rewards of their lies. As for the evil man with evil heart, he does not calculate what he is saying, so he brings problems to his friends, as for the experienced and wise man, he rejoices in his heart and lives in peace.
The king, who has no fence or wall to guard him, is like a man without a woman, becoming such a drifter. And marriage for any man has stability in his life and his home, and who does not have a wife, moves from one house to house and from one place to a place, and he may find bad friends waiting for him. When a marriage opportunity arrived at the virgin man, to an appropriate woman that fears God, he does not delay in order to settle in his life.
The Advice of the Friend
(S37: 1-6)
"1 Every friend will say: I also am his friend: but there is a friend, that is only a friend in name. Is not this a grief even to death? 2 But a companion and a friend shall be turned to an enemy. 3 O wicked presumption, whence camest thou to cover the earth with thy malice, and deceitfulness? 4 There is a companion who rejoiceth with his friend in his joys, but in the time of trouble, he will be against him. 5 There is a companion who condoleth with his friend for his belly's sake, and he will take up a shield against enemy. 6 Forget not thy friend in thy mind, and be not unmindful of him in thy riches."
1. Don’t believe and trust everyone that tells you he is your friend, but often, especially in times of distress he shows that he is a friend only by name, and he causes you grief and sadness.
(S37: 7-19)
"7 Consult not with him that layeth a snare for thee, and hide thy counsel from them that envy thee. 8 Every counsellor giveth out counsel, but there is one that is a counsellor for himself. 9 Beware of a counsellor. And know before what need he hath: for he will devise to his own mind: 10 Lest he thrust a stake into the ground, and say to thee: 11 Thy way is good; and then stand on the other side to see what shall befall thee. 12 Treat not with a man without religion concerning holiness, nor with an unjust man concerning justice, nor with a woman touching her of whom she is jealous, nor with a coward concerning war, nor with a merchant about traffic, nor with a buyer of selling, nor with an envious man of giving thanks, 13 Nor with the ungodly of piety, nor with the dishonest of honesty, nor with the held labourer of every work 14 Nor with him that worketh by the year of the finishing of the year, nor with an idle servant of much business: give no heed to these in any matter of counsel. 15 But be continually with a holy man, whomsoever thou shalt know to observe the fear of God, 16 Whose soul is according to thy own soul: and who, when thou shalt stumble in the dark, will be sorry for thee. 17 And establish within thyself a heart of good counsel: for there is no other thing of more worth to thee than it. 18 The soul of a holy man discovereth sometimes true things, more than seven watchmen that sit in a high piece to watch. 19 But above all these things pray to the most High, that he may direct thy way in truth."
(7-14) When consulting anyone, and he is giving you an advice, try to find out if there was behind this advice is a personal goal or not, and if it focused only on him and not in your favor, abandon it as it is a bad advice. Because he tells you that this is the best solution to your problem and stand beside you to see what will happen, as if you are a testing ground for his advice and see what is going to do.
"Do not consult the hypocritical in piety and nor the unjust person in the justice" How could seek his advice in an issue that required justice, and you know how unfair he was? You must choose the spiritual advisers, who are recognized with the piety. St Paul says: "Remember your prelates who have spoken the word of God to you; whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation." (Hebrews13: 7).
(S37: 20-29)
"20 In all thy works let the true word go before thee, and steady counsel before every action. 21 A wicked word shall change the beast: out of which four manner of things arise, good and evil, life and death: and the tongue is continually the ruler of them. There is a man that is subtle and a teacher of many, and yet is unprofitable to his own soul. 22 A skilful man hath taught many, and is sweet to his own soul. 23 He that speaketh sophistically, is hateful: he shall be destitute of every thing. 24 Grace is not given him from the Lord: for he is deprived of all wisdom. 25 There is a wise man that is wise to his own soul: and the fruit of his understanding is commendable. 26 A wise man instructeth his own people, and the fruits of his understanding are faithful. 27 A wise man shall be filled with blessings, and they that see shall praise him. 28 The life of a man is in the number of his days: but the days of Israel are innumerable. 29 A wise man shall inherit honour among his people, and his name shall live for ever."
(20-21) Here, Joshua of Sirach is speaking about the importance of the tongue, and words that come out of the mouth without the wisdom or advice, may cost the person too much, including his life. The face shows the change of heart and the emotions. Sad man will have a profile of sad expression and a sad face, unlike the man with happy heart; you found him debonair, and can shine on all people around him. That is why one has to be careful when use of the tongue (see letter of our teacher Prophet Jacob) "Even so the tongue is indeed a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold how small a fire kindleth a great wood. 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is placed among our members, which defileth the whole body, and inflameth the wheel of our nativity, being set on fire by hell." (James3: 5-6).
It is sure facts that man’s life is few days no matter how long. But, unfortunately, he believes that his life will last forever. However, decent life and wisdom is the one that last, such as the days of Israel. And the wise man among the people is the only one with lasting a reputation among his people.
(S37: 30-34)
"30 My son, prove thy soul in thy life: and if it be wicked, give it no power: 31 For all things are not expedient for all, and every kind pleaseth not every soul. 32 Be not greedy in any feasting, and pour not out thyself upon any meat: 33 For in many meats there will be sickness, and greediness will turn to choler. 34 By surfeiting many have perished: but he that is temperate, shall prolong life."
The man must show restraint and not give himself all what he requests. Like the man, who smokes and can’t stop it, that is a self-harm. There was a person, who is accustomed to smoke first thing in the morning, the man who has no power over his body loses many blessings. St. Paul says: "But I chastise my body, and bring it into subjection: lest perhaps, when I have preached to others, I myself should become a castaway." (1Co9: 27), "All things are lawful to me, but all things are not expedient. All things are lawful to me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." (1Co6: 12), "All things are lawful for me, but all things do not edify." (1Co10: 23).
The Doctor
(S38: 1-15)
"1 Honour the physician for the need thou hast of him: for the most High hath created him. 2 For all healing is from God, and he shall receive gifts of the king. 3 The skill of the physician shall lift up his head, and in the sight of great men he shall be praised. 4 The most High hath created medicines out of the earth, and a wise man will not abhor them. 5 Was not bitter water made sweet with wood? 6 The virtue of these things is come to the knowledge of men, and the meet High hath given knowledge to men, that he may be honoured in his wonders. 7 By these he shall cure and shall allay their pains, and of these the apothecary shall make sweet confections, and shall make up ointments of health, and of his works there shall be no end. 8 For the peace of God is over all the face of the earth. 9 My son, in thy sickness neglect not thyself, but pray to the Lord, and he shall heal thee. 10 Turn away from sin and order thy hands aright, and cleanse thy heart from all offence. 11 Give a sweet savour, and a memorial of fine flour, and make a fat offering, and then give place to the physician. 12 For the Lord created him: and let him not depart from thee, for his works are necessary. 13 For there is a time when thou must fall into their hands: 14 And they shall beseech the Lord, that he would prosper what they give for ease and remedy, for their conversation. 15 He that sinneth in the sight of his Maker, shall fall into the hands of the physician."
(1) The physician has his own dignity, because of his giving and honesty in his work and his treatment of people, because the medicine is a Godsend, and the doctor is working with guidance from God. So we must ask for the healing from the Lord, who guides the doctor to the appropriate treatment of the person.
(2-3) And because that healing is from God, the awards received by the physician from the great kings for the recovery or healing of their families should have the grateful returning to God. Until now, the doctor is called a wise, the medicine and wisdom go hand in hand and if the doctor was smart in his work and sincere in his study, he will be more appreciated by the great people.
(4) The Lord is the creator of the herbal plants, from it the medicine made, that is why we should use it as it created by God. God has given doctors the wisdom to discover the benefits of these herbs and manufacturing medicines from them.
(5) “The transferring to fresh water, so you know its power”. Was it with a stick, the salt water has transferred to fresh water to know the power of God? Compare "23 And they came into Mara, and they could not drink the waters of Mara, because they were bitter: whereupon he gave a name also agreeable to the place, calling it Mara, that is, bitterness. 24 And the people murmured against Moses, saying: What shall we drink? 25 But he cried to the Lord, and he showed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, they were turned into sweetness. There he appointed him ordinances, and judgments, and there he proved him." (Exodus15: 23-25). Therefore, the tree has no miracle in turning the water, but the miracle has occurred by the force of the Lord.
(6) God is the one who gave people the knowledge, so they bless him for his wonders.
(7-8) Medicines cured the patient and relieve the pains, and the pharmacist makes the medicine to heal the pains. And the work of the Lord does not end, as He cures using the doctor, and by the lord’s hand, God’s peace comes on earth.
(9-10) remember two verses that illnesses come due to the sins. And here, it is required from the patient to repent his sins first and then pray to the Lord to cure him, and be a righteous in his works and dealing with others, and if he had made injustice to be human, return what he took. This way he will be cured from his illness. As said Jesus Christ: "And behold they brought to him one sick of the palsy lying in a bed. And Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the man sick of the palsy: "Be of good heart, son, thy sins are forgiven thee." (Matt9: 2), also, as he said to a patient: "Afterwards, Jesus findeth him in the temple, and saith to him: Behold thou art made whole: sin no more, lest some worse thing happen to thee." (Jn5: 14).
(11) And offer your vows, and if you vowed to the Lord to cure you, request the healing of your son, for example, or anyone of your relatives, as the Lord can cure all with the intercede of saints.
(S38: 16-24)
"16 My son, shed tears over the dead, and begin to lament as if thou hadst suffered some great harm, and according to judgment cover his body, and neglect not his burial. 17 And for fear of being ill spoken of weep bitterly for a, day, and then comfort thyself in thy sadness. 18 And make mourning for him according to his merit for a day, or two, for fear of detraction. 19 For of sadness cometh death, and it overwhelmeth the strength, and the sorrow of the heart boweth down the neck. 20 In withdrawing aside sorrow remaineth: and the substance of the poor is according to his heart. 21 Give not up thy heart to sadness, but drive it from thee: and remember the latter end. 22 Forget it not: for there is no returning, and thou shalt do him no good, and shalt hurt thyself. 23 Remember my judgment: for also shall be so: yesterday for me, and to day for thee. 24 When the dead is at rest, let his remembrance rest, and comfort him in the departing of his spirit."
(16) Crying is a reaction comes from the passion and from the heart. Son, give the Dead his right as far as the necessary attention is concerned in his departure and his shrouding of the body, and do not be late in burying him, because you honor the dead by burying him.
(17-18) let your crying be bitter or glowing in the wailing, that your feelings are true to the people of the Dead. Usually, lamentation lasts seven days, but here, it is advisable that only one or two days is sufficient, because sometimes the solace turns to gossip and loses the goal for doing it, and that is to consol of the family of the dead man and mitigate them and stand by them in this difficult situation.
(19-24) Bad sadness brings frustration and despair in life, and the high degree of sadness refrains from the person from eating as he loses his appetite, and has the lack of strength and especially the family of the dead man is tired from too many visiting and telephone calls. Grief in the bereavement and the despair in life will sadden the heart, especially if the death gave him despair from carry on living, because for some people, death causes severe shock to them.
(S38: 25-39)
"25 The wisdom of a scribe cometh by his time of leisure: and he that is less in action, shall receive wisdom. 26 With what wisdom shall he be furnished that holdeth the plough, and that glorieth in the goad, that driveth the oxen therewith, and is occupied in their labours, and his whole talk is about the offspring of bulls? 27 He shall give his mind to turn up furrows, and his care is to give the kine fodder. 28 So every craftsman and workmaster that laboureth night and day, he who maketh graven seals, and by his continual diligence varieth the figure: he shall give his mind to the resemblance of the picture, and by his watching shall finish the work. 29 So doth the smith sitting by the anvil and considering the iron work. The vapour of the fire wasteth his flesh, and he fighteth with the heat of the furnace. 30 The noise of the hammer is always in his ears, and his eye is upon the pat tern of the vessel he maketh. 31 He setteth his mind to finish his work, and his watching to polish them, to perfection. 32 So doth the potter sitting at his work, turning the wheel about with his feet, who is always carefully set to his work, and maketh all his work by number: 33 He fashioneth the clay with his arm, and boweth down his strength before his feet: 34 He shall give his mind to finish the glazing, and his watching to make clean the furnace. 35 All these trust to their hands, and every one is wise in his own art. 36 Without these a city is not built. 37 And they shall not dwell, nor walk about therein, and they shall not go up into the assembly. 38 Upon the judges' seat they shall not sit, and the ordinance of judgment they shall not understand, neither shall they declare discipline and judgment, and they shall not be found where parables are spoken: 39 But they shall strengthen the state of the world, and their prayer shall be in the work of their craft, applying their soul, and searching in the law of the highest."
(25-27) Here, refers to that man should not lose his life working only, because for everything under the sky a time, time for work and time of wisdom. And here, he starts showing some prominent members of society at that time busy working day and night, so how can they have the time for wisdom? The first one of these people is the holder of the plow, and all what he cares about is prodding the cow and driving the cow, and accompany the cow in its works and talk about the cow and her calves and her bull. And the work is all what he is thinking about. As he cares, only about the plow lines to be straight, and spent the night caring and organizing the fattening of his calves.
(28) Also, everyone is free in working day and night, and the one who engraves inscriptions on rings, and strives to diversify the forms and care in manufacturing and the diversification of forms in order to be in conformity with the original, to show their skills in the craft. However, unfortunately they do not have the time for wisdom.
(29-31) as well as the trade man, he is sitting at the anvil, focuses his attention in the manufacturing of iron, the glowing of the fire burning himself in the heat of the cauldron, the noise of the hammer is deafening his ears, his eyes focused on his works and his heart in his work to be in the most beautiful picture. So how would he find the time for wisdom.
(32-34) as well as the potter, who spends all his time in his work with his potting table, engaged in the manufacture of parts required, and act swiftly to end the number that should be doing. Every day, driving his arm and his feet on the clay shapes its tenacity, and all the thought of his heart was on the mastery of painting and staying in late cleaning of the cauldron.
(35) Everyone of them is wise, but only in their industry, but where is the divine wisdom? And where is the time spent with God. What do you do when the Lord says to you, now give your account?
(36) Without all of these mentioned above, the city does not survive, they are a very important part of everyday life.
Because: "For what doth it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and suffer the loss of his own soul? Or what exchange shall a man give for his soul?" (Matt16: 26). And you must know that, there is a time for everything under the sky.
The Wise Man and the Pursuit of Wisdom
(S39: 1-15)
"1 The wise men will seek out the wisdom of all the ancients, and will be occupied in the prophets. 2 He will keep the sayings of renowned men, and will enter withal into the subtilties of parables. 3 He will search out the hidden meanings of proverbs, and will be conversant in the secrets of parables. 4 He shall serve among great men, and: appear before the governor. 5 He shall pass into strange countries: for he shall try good and evil among men. 6 He will give his heart to resort early to the Lord that made him, and he will pray in the sight of the most High. 7 He will open his mouth in prayer, and will make supplication for his sins. 8 For if it shall please the great Lord, he will fill him with the spirit of understanding: 9 And he will pour forth the words of his wisdom as showers, and in his prayer he will confess to the Lord.10 And he shall direct his counsel, and his knowledge, and in his secrets shall he meditate. 11 He shall shew forth the discipline he hath learned, and shall glory in the law of the covenant of the Lord. 12 Many shall praise his wisdom, and it shall never be forgotten. 13 The memory of him shall not depart away, and his name shall be in request from generation to generation.14 Nations shall declare his wisdom, and the church shall shew forth his praise. 15 If he continue, he shall leave a name above a thousand: and if he rest, it shall be to his advantage.”
(1-5) Here, he speaks of the wise person, who spent all his time in wisdom, reading the Shariah-Law, and memorizes the chatters of the famous people, and knows the popular sayings, and searches for the difficult words and their meanings, and perfects the puzzles and its meanings. The wise person used to have a place in the royal court to be consulted by the King in the difficult matters, and his opinion noticed, and he used to travel on missions to solve the problems. In addition, he was like an ambassador, representing his country at conferences and meetings.
(6-15) And the wise person used to direct his heart and thoughts to the prayer (Alibkaar). That is the early prayer in front of his maker, the Lord, and devotes to him and asks him forgiveness of sins. And in the prayer he praises the Lord, and thus makes the Lord in his life. And do not begin his day without praying, He knows the value of the prayer. The wise man guided by the advice and the knowledge of God. It reflects on the mysteries of the universe, praises the Lord, and shows the discipline that, he has learned and absorbs from his experience in the Book, and from the cohabitation of the wise men kings, always gives glory to God, and is proud that he practices the law of God. So many are happy and commend his understanding and his wisdom and his aromatic reputation and his indelible wisdom, such as the wise Solomon and Joshua of Sirach.
(S39: 16-41)
"16 I will yet meditate that I may declare: for I am filled as with a holy transport. 17 By a voice he saith: Hear me, ye divine offspring, and bud forth as the rose planted by the brooks of waters. 18 Give ye a sweet odour as frankincense. 19 Send forth flowers, as the lily, and yield a smell, and bring forth leaves in grace, and praise with canticles, and bless the Lord in his works. 20 Magnify his name, and give glory to him with the voice of your lips, and with the canticles of your mouths, and with harps, and in praising him, you shall say in this manner: 21 All the works of the Lord are exceeding good. 22 At his word the waters stood as a heap: and at the words of his mouth the receptacles of waters: 23 For at his commandment favour is shewn, and there is no diminishing of his salvation. 24 The works of all flesh are before him, and there is nothing hid from his eyes.
This part resembles the Psalm or praise God, much like Psalm 150.
(S40: 1-11)
"1 Great labour is created for all men, and a heavy yoke is upon the children of Adam, from the day of their coming out of their mother's womb, until the day of their burial into the mother of all. 2 Their thoughts, and fears of the heart, their imagination of things to come, and the day of their end:3 From him that sitteth on a glorious throne, unto him that is humbled in earth and ashes: 4 From him that weareth purple, and beareth the crown, even to him that is covered with rough linen: wrath, envy, trouble, unquietness, and the fear of death, continual anger, and strife, 5 And in the time of rest upon his bed, the sleep of the night changeth his knowledge. 6 A little and as nothing is his rest, and afterward in sleep, as in the day of keeping watch. 7 He is troubled in the vision of his heart, as if he had escaped in the day of battle. In the time of his safety he rose up, and wondereth that there is no fear: 8 Such things happen to all flesh, from man even to beast, and upon sinners are sevenfold mere. 9 Moreover, death, and bloodshed, strife, and sword, oppressions, famine, and affliction, and scourges: 10 All these things are created for the wicked, and for their sakes came the flood. 11 All things that are of the earth, shall return to the earth again, and all waters shall return to the sea."
(1) Man faces many troubles in this life, starts from the day he was born, and ending with his death, because if there weren’t a happy life on earth, there wouldn’t be any yearning for heaven.
(5-8) The fearful or hungry man cannot sleep, his sleep is little, and he does not enjoy the comfortable sleep. And if he sleeps slightly, he would have been disturbing dreams and escapes from the nightmares as his escape from war. However, after Waking up, he realizes it is just dreaming. And death is of each body, human and animal will taste death, but the wicked and evils will die the first death than the eternal death, they will not have any hope of entering the Kingdom of heaven.
The only truth in life that the spirit return to its creator and the body returns to earth, because of dust-to-dust returns our body. Here in this foreign country, at the burial, they place the box, then, one by one, passes the coffin with a small box of soil, and each one throws the dirt on the coffin, a sign that he is from dust and to the dust he returns.
(S40: 12-17)
"12 All bribery, and injustice shall blotted out, and fidelity shall stand for ever. 13 The riches of the unjust shall be dried up like a river, and shall pass sway a noise like a great thunder in rain. 14 While he openeth his hands he shall rejoice: but transgressors shall pine away in the end. 15 The offspring of the ungodly shall not bring forth many branches, and make a noise as unclean roots upon the top of a rock. 16 The weed growing over every water, and at the bank of the river, shall be pulled up before all grass. 17 Grace is like a paradise in blessings, and mercy remaineth for ever."
(12-13) The person, who takes a bribe for a job or a project is, unfortunately, swindled and will not be blessed. The honest person, who makes a profit, not matter how small, the Lord will bless this profit. Money from unjust person dries in the sense that it evaporates quickly and circling just like the lightning in the sky, it appears for the short time then end quickly.
(S40: 18-28)
"18 The life of a labourer that is content with what he hath, shall be sweet, and in it thou shalt find a treasure. 19 Children, and the building of a city shall establish a name, but a blameless wife shall be counted above them both. 20 Wine and music rejoice the heart, but the love of wisdom is above them both. 21 The flute and the psaltery make a sweet melody, but a pleasant tongue is above them both. 22 Thy eye desireth favour and beauty, but more than these green sown fields. 23 A friend and companion meeting together in season, but above them both is a wife with her husband. 24 Brethren are a help in the time of trouble, but mercy shall deliver more than they. 25 Gold and silver make the feet stand sure: but wise counsel is above them both. 26 Riches and strength lift up the heart: but above these is the fear of the Lord. 27 There is no want in the fear of the Lord, and it needeth not to seek for help. 28 The fear of the Lord is like a paradise of blessing, and they have covered it above all glory."
(18) A man with conviction and is contained with what he got, lives happy. How wonderful is it, to live from your hard work? Here, there is a comparison between a man, who finds a treasure, and he may be happy, and the self-reliant human, who has his life, begins from scratch, he is also a very happy person, because he is content to reap the fruits of hard work.
(19) Having children, and building the city are things that rejoice in the heart, but the virtue and wise woman are better than all that.
(20) Wine and singing give a temporary pleasure, but the wisdom is the one that gives permanent pleasure.
(21) The flute and other musical instruments are fine with the tune, but no nicer than the sweet and wise tongue; it is more magnificence than the song and more reprehensible than any of the music.
(25-26) The gold, the silver, the wealth, the power and health are reassuring. However, wealth, power, have no benefit to man. What a man need is the wisdom and the words of God, followed by transferring such wealth to heaven, so it is waiting for him by a way of good works that is a real saving in heaven.
(S40: 29-32)
"29 My son, in thy lifetime be not indigent: for it is better to die than to want. 30 The life of him that looketh toward another man's table is not to be counted a life: for he feedeth his soul with another man's meat. 31 But a man, well instructed and taught, will look to himself. 32 Begging will be sweet in the mouth of the unwise, but in his belly there shall burn a fire."
(29) Here, Joshua of Sirach warns the people, who are able to work and ask for charity, and here, in the migrant country, some of the young people, with good health, are unfortunately lazy to work. Taking advantage of the system to the point where they become dependent on the social security system and take the right of other people whom really in need. The man who needs is someone ill or trying to find a job, but the person serious in his work and his search for the work, the Lord blesses him and grants him suitable work.
(30)Never look at what in someone else’s hands. The one who does that, never thank the Lord, and never be content. The person, who does not thank the Lord and always content, is an ungrateful man for the good at the Lord, and does not bless the Lord, and always nagging.
(31) As for polite person and self-dignity, he refrains from begging and looks for work and instead of begging, he gives to the poor and the needy.
الثلاثاء, 20 اكتوبر, 2009
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