“The Prologue of the Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach. Whereas many and great things have been delivered unto us by the law and the prophets, and by others that have followed their steps, for the which things Israel ought to be commended for learning and wisdom; and whereof not only the readers must needs become skilful themselves, but also they that desire to learn be able to profit them which are without, both by speaking and writing: my grandfather Jesus, when he had much given himself to the reading of the law, and the prophets, and other books of our fathers, and had gotten therein good judgment, was drawn on also himself to write something pertaining to learning and wisdom; to the intent that those which are desirous to learn, and are addicted to these things, might profit much more in living according to the law. Wherefore let me intreat you to read it with favour and attention, and to pardon us, wherein we may seem to come short of some words, which we have laboured to interpret. For the same things uttered in Hebrew, and translated into another tongue, have not the same force in them: and not only these things, but the law itself, and the prophets, and the rest of the books, have no small difference, when they are spoken in their own language. For in the eight and thirtieth year coming into Egypt, when Euergetes was king, and continuing there some time, I found a book of no small learning: therefore I thought it most necessary for me to bestow some diligence and travail to interpret it; using great watchfulness and skill in that space to bring the book to an end, and set it forth for them also, which in a strange country are willing to learn, being prepared before in manners to live after the law. All wisdom cometh from the Lord, and is with him for ever.”
Wisdom. In this book, Wisdom is taken for the Deity, the Son, or the gift communicated to men, Proverbs iii. 19., and Wisdom vii. 25. (Calmet)
“Who can find out the height of heaven, and the breadth of the earth, and the deep, and wisdom?”
God. This is eternal and unsearchable, more than the sand of the sea, &c., Isaias xl. 12. (Haydock) — Man cannot comprehend God’s works. (Worthington)
“Wisdom hath been created before all things, and the understanding of prudence from everlasting.”
Created. Or “generated,” if it be understood of the Son. (St. Athanasius) (Bos.[Bossuet?]) — The wisdom which is given to man, was in God before the creation, Proverbs viii. 22. (Calmet) — The decree regarding the incarnation was from eternity. (Menochius)
“The word of God most high is the fountain of wisdom; and her ways are everlasting commandments.”
Commandments. The wise will observe the law (Deuteronomy iv. 6.; Haydock) and the Scriptures. This verse is not in the Greek of Rome, &c., but it is in the edition of Complutensian and Camerarius.
“He created her, and saw her, and numbered her, and poured her out upon all his works.”
In the Holy Ghost, or from himself. See Wisdom i. 5., and vii. 22. Greek omits these words. (Calmet)
“The fear of the Lord is honour, and glory, and gladness, and a crown of rejoicing.”
Joy. Eternal glory is the fruit of the fear of the Lord; not that this virtue sufficeth, but it is the beginning, grounded on true faith, and bringeth forth other virtues, and fruits of the Holy Ghost, and a joyful crown in the end. (Worthington) — The virtuous enjoy or deserve honour. (Calmet)
“To fear the Lord is fulness of wisdom, and filleth men with her fruits.”
Womb. Grace has prevented them. (Haydock) — They are free from evil dispositions, Wisdom viii. 19., and Job xxxi. 18. — Women; feminis, or rather seminis. (Calmet) — Greek, “it shall be intrusted to their seed.” (Haydock) — “His mercy is fixed with their seed.” (Syriac) (Menochius) — This includes both men and women.
“She filleth all their house with things desirable, and the garners with her increase.”
Religiousness, or proper application of knowledge. (Haydock) — A learned impious man is most dangerous. This and the two next verses are not in Greek.
“For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and instruction: and faith and meekness are his delight.”
Sin, by vigilance or by repentance.
“Be not an hypocrite in the sight of men, and take good heed what thou speakest.”
To him, as may be seen in the lives of the patriarchs.
“Exalt not thyself, lest thou fall, and bring dishonour upon thy soul, and so God discover thy secrets, and cast thee down in the midst of the congregation, because thou camest not in truth to the fear of the Lord, but thy heart is full of deceit.”
Sinner. Such imagine that God’s service is insupportable. (Worthington)
Faith, or fidelity. (Menochius) — The meek shall possess the land, Matthew v. 4. (Calmet)
Down. Pride is usually thus treated, Matthew xxiii. 12. (Calmet)