Introduction to the Book of Sirach

Catholic Introduction To The Old Testament: The Book of Sirach
Photo by St. Margaret Mary Catholic

The Wisdom of Jesus, Son of Sirach, also known as Ecclesiasticus, was written in Hebrew by a man named Joshua (or Jesus) and was later translated into Greek by his grandson. The book includes traditional Jewish wisdom material and makes a defense of Judaism by showing that God has given true wisdom to his people. Many subjects of a religious, moral, and practical nature are presented, sometimes at length and sometimes in short proverbial sayings.

Outline of Contents

  1. Foreword
  2. In praise of wisdom (Part I) 1.1—23.27
    • Duty, reward, arid practical advice 1.1—16.23
    • God’s wisdom and human response 16.24-23.27
  3. In praise of wisdom (Part 2) 24.1—50.21
    • Wisdom and virtue 24.1—32.13
    • God’s wisdom and human worship and work 32.14—42.14
    • God’s glory in nature 42.15—43.33
    • In praise of ancestors 44.1—50.21
  4. Epilogue and Appendices 50.22—51.30





Sources:
  1. Sirach. (1972). In Catholic (Ed.), May they be one Bible: Good news translation (2013 ed., p. 925). Bible Society
  2. Giszczak, M. (2019, February). The book of Sirach [Photograph]. Retrieved from https://stmargaretmary.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/sirach-1.png