volume 8, issue 1, 2016, pages 47-64

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsEYNP6108
Published online: 2016-06-01
Published in print: 2016-06-30

Abstract: Considering the period of its origin (and also the period of its translation in LXX version) the book of Ben Sira represents an apology where authentic way to wisdom is confronted with Jewish apocalypticism and Greek philosophy. Real wisdom is πᾶσα (full), going beyond man’s capabilities. This is the idea that Sira states right in the introductory verse and supports it using the lexeme πᾶς in the course of his book. Consequently, the authentic way leading towards such wisdom is marked by two dispositions of any person searching for wisdom, that is humility and prayer. These dispositions are for Sira so essential that he presents them in formal and conceptual inclusion in the first and final chapters of the book. Taking into consideration the ideas of other wise men of Israel, Sira also discerns that God has hidden wisdom in his creation and revealed in Tora, two places where wisdom can be found. In his approach to the full wisdom Sira avoids both exclusivism (intrinsic to apocalyptic literature) and overestimation of Greek philosophy, and presents to his compatriots secure and authentic way to the wisdom.