I advise everyone to read the Book of Sirach, if for no other reason than to understand how completely strange the formation of the Scriptures makes a man to the world. It seems as if Ben Sira wrote especially for our modern age, not so much for our edification, as to mercilessly contradict our every truism with his own.
To our “follow your heart,” he recommends that we “do not follow your inclination and strength, walking according to the desires of your heart” (5:2).
To our “try new things,” he advises that we “do not winnow with every wind, nor follow every path” (5:9).
To our “shoot for the moon” and general encouragement that children desire a great and lofty future, he responds: “do not seek from the Lord the highest office, nor the seat of honour from the king” (7:4)
To the obvious common sense which advises you “Keep track of what you are owed,” he recommends you do no such thing: “If you lend anything, be as one who has lost it.” (8:12)
To our calls to “speak truth to power” he advises we settle down: “Do not go to law against a judge, for the decision will favor him because of his standing.” (8:14)
To our penchant for keeping busy, he says, “My son, do not busy yourself with many matters; if you multiply activities, you will not go unpunished.” (11:10)
And to our belief that hard work will be rewarded, he offers nothing but contradiction: “There is a man who works, and toils, and presses on, but is so much the more in want. There is another who is slow and needs help, who lacks strength and abounds in poverty, but the eyes of the Lord look upon him for his good; he lifts him out of his low estate and raises up his head, so that many are amazed at him.” (11:11-13) (Imagine, if you will, the kind of parenting advice such a formation would produce: “Now remember, kid, God can do absolutely anything with whatever you offer him, so don’t toil as if you’re guaranteed to get something outside of his holy will.”)
We would like to retire early. He would like us to “grow old in your work.” (11:20)
We believe a man will be known by his politics, his opinions, his various sexual, ethnic, and class identities. Ben Sira says “A man will be known through his children.” (11:28)
We believe one can pursue money and virtue at the same time. Ben Sira believes that “he who pursues money will be led astray by it.” (31:5)
It seems we can have our Bibles, or we can have the world, but we will not have both.