29 May 2021

With her I gained understanding from the first;
   therefore I will never be forsaken.
My heart was stirred to seek her;
   therefore I have gained a prize possession.
The Lord gave me my tongue as a reward,
   and I will praise him with it.

Ecclesiasticus 51:17-27, NRSV 

The Book of Ecclesiasticus concludes with an autobiographical poem in which Ben Sira speaks about his search for and love of wisdom. He speaks of wisdom as a person by whom he has been guided at all the stages of his life. He gives thanks for how this gift of wisdom has enabled him to advance and to pursue what is good. Because of the graces he has received through this gift, he wants everyone to join in this same search and to know the peace and sense of purpose that he has obtained.

• • What sort of wisdom do you think Ben Sirah sought and obtained ?
  • Who are the wise people of our times?

The poem from which the above extract is taken is worth reading in its entirety.

Image – Celtic symbol of Wisdom