Wisdom of Sirach (Ecclesiasticus): Friendship, Humility & Medicine

“In Wisdom of Sirach (Ecclesiasticus): Friendship, Humility & Medicine (Septuagint Wisdom Canon • 51 Chapters), the Septuagint and Orthodox biblical canon preserves profound meditations on Divine Sophia, friendship, conscience, and truth: Ben Sira's encyclopedic ethical treatise praising faithful friendship ('A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one finds a treasure', 6:14), humility, honoring physicians (38:1), and the Hymn in Praise of the Ancestors (Ch. 44).”

“She is a reflection of eternal light, a spotless mirror of the working of God, and an image of His goodness. Though she is but one, she can do all things, and while remaining in herself, she renews all things.”

“But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them... Their hope is full of immortality.”

“Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter: whoever finds one has found a treasure. Faithful friends are beyond price; no amount can balance their worth.”

“My child, perform your tasks with humility; then you will be loved by those whom God accepts. The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself.”

“All the earth calls upon Truth, and the heaven blesses her: all works shake and tremble, and with her there is no unrighteous thing... Great is Truth, and mighty above all things.”

“Do not do to anyone what you yourself hate... Give of your bread to the hungry, and of your clothing to the naked.”

“Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord; praise and exalt Him above all forever... Bless the Lord, you spirits and souls of the righteous; bless the Lord, you who are holy and humble in heart.”