Chapter 10 picks up where chapter 9 left off-Concering the Rulers of the World. It is probably good to note here that dividing the Bible into chapters and verses is not something the original authors did, but something we have added later.
I like the wisdom Ben Sira offers us regarding government. It is a reminder that leaders should focus on the common good. "The government of the earth is in the hand of the Lord, and over it he will raise up the right leader for the time." v4 Maybe this is a good reminder that God's got it...even when we think the politician across the aisle does not get it!
I feel convicted whenever the Bible talks about the sin of pride. As Ben Sira talks about the problems of pride and the value of humilty, I am reminded of CS Lewis' definition of humility. He said, "Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less."
A final thought about verses 30-31. I believe "coming into a lot of money" makes you more of what your already are. If you are stingy and you come into money, you'll be rich and stingy. If you are generous and you come into money, you will be rich and generous. I think that is what v 31 is all about.
Again, "fear of the Lord." I think I know what it is, but it has not really been defined, yet, in Sirach.
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