The world is an unsafe place, ever since Adam and Eve sinned their way out of God's perfect protection of Eden. It does not matter how "good" or "wicked" you are, nor what your intentions are behind your deeds, or your motivations behind your thoughts or actions, nor what religion or not that you are, and certainly not how "gifted" or "enlightened" you think you are. The world remains an unsafe place because mishaps and death are a fact of life.
Having said that, the one way to be the safest possible in a physically unsafe world is to use one yardstick, one measure, in all your thoughts and deeds, and even your day to day actions. Do not do anything unless you dedicate your action to the greater glory of God first and foremost. If you do something based on your own pride, you are more vulnerable to mishaps and death.
Pride causes people to take chances that they do not need to risk. Pride causes people to crave money, power and media attention with public adulation. Pride causes companies and governments to not have the correct attention to the correct risks, dangers and problems that they and other people face. Pride causes people to mistrust other people's good advice.
Proverbs 16:18
Proverbs 18:12
If you pause before anything that you do, and ask yourself just very quickly, "Is God glorified in what I am about to do, or am I about to do something based on pride?" I guarantee that while death and mishaps still will occur, one's priorities will be more correct and many mishaps will be avoided.
I hope that you have found this helpful.
Sirach 6:16-18
A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy, such as he who fears God finds; for he who fears God behaves accordingly, and his friend will be like himself. My son, from your youth embrace discipline; thus will you find wisdom with graying hair.
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goeth before disaster, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
Proverbs 18:12
Before his downfall a man's heart is haughty, but humility goes before honors.
Showing posts with label Book of Sirach. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book of Sirach. Show all posts
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Bible Reading: Sirach 39:12-15
Once more I will set forth my theme to shine like the moon in its fullness!
Listen, my faithful children: open up your petals, like roses planted near running waters; send up the sweet odor of incense, break forth in blossoms like the lily. Send up the sweet odor of your hymn of praise; bless the Lord for all he has done!
Proclaim the greatness of his name, loudly sing his praises, with music on the harp and all stringed instruments; sing out with joy as you proclaim...
Listen, my faithful children: open up your petals, like roses planted near running waters; send up the sweet odor of incense, break forth in blossoms like the lily. Send up the sweet odor of your hymn of praise; bless the Lord for all he has done!
Proclaim the greatness of his name, loudly sing his praises, with music on the harp and all stringed instruments; sing out with joy as you proclaim...
Bible Reading: Sirach 38:9-15
My son, when you are ill, delay not, but pray to God, who will heal you: Flee wickedness; let your hands be just, cleanse your heart of every sin; offer your sweet-smelling oblation and petition, a rich offering according to your means.
Then give the doctor his place lest he leave; for you need him too. There are times that give him an advantage, and he too beseeches God that his diagnosis may be correct and his treatment bring about a cure.
He who is a sinner toward his Maker will be defiant toward the doctor.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Bible Reading: Sirach 40:17-30
Sirach 40:17-30
Wealth or wages can make life sweet, but better than either is finding a treasure.
A child or a city will preserve one's name, but better than either, attaining wisdom.
Sheepfolds and orchards bring flourishing repute, but better than either, a devoted wife;
wine and music delight the soul, but better than either, conjugal love.
The flute and the harp offer sweet melody, but better than either, a voice that is true.
Charm and beauty delight the eye, but better than either, the flowers of the field.
A friend, a neighbor, are timely guides, but better than either, a prudent wife.
A brother, a helper, for times of stress; but better than either, charity that rescues.
Gold and silver make one's way secure, but better than either, sound judgment.
Wealth and vigor build up confidence, but better than either, fear of God.
Fear of the Lord leaves nothing wanting; he who has it need seek no other treasure.
The fear of God is a paradise of blessings; its canopy, all that is glorious.
My son, live not the life of a beggar, better to die than to beg;
when one has to look to another's table, his life is not really a life.
His neighbor's delicacies bring revulsion of spirit to one who understands inward feelings;
In the mouth of the shameless man begging is sweet, but within him it burns like fire.
Wealth or wages can make life sweet, but better than either is finding a treasure.
A child or a city will preserve one's name, but better than either, attaining wisdom.
Sheepfolds and orchards bring flourishing repute, but better than either, a devoted wife;
wine and music delight the soul, but better than either, conjugal love.
The flute and the harp offer sweet melody, but better than either, a voice that is true.
Charm and beauty delight the eye, but better than either, the flowers of the field.
A friend, a neighbor, are timely guides, but better than either, a prudent wife.
A brother, a helper, for times of stress; but better than either, charity that rescues.
Gold and silver make one's way secure, but better than either, sound judgment.
Wealth and vigor build up confidence, but better than either, fear of God.
Fear of the Lord leaves nothing wanting; he who has it need seek no other treasure.
The fear of God is a paradise of blessings; its canopy, all that is glorious.
My son, live not the life of a beggar, better to die than to beg;
when one has to look to another's table, his life is not really a life.
His neighbor's delicacies bring revulsion of spirit to one who understands inward feelings;
In the mouth of the shameless man begging is sweet, but within him it burns like fire.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Bible Reading: Sirach 18: 1-19
The Eternal is the judge of all things without exception;
the Lord alone is just.
Whom has he made equal to describing his works,
and who can probe his mighty deeds?
Who can measure his majestic power,
or exhaust the tale of his mercies?
One cannot lessen, nor increase,
nor penetrate the wonders of the Lord.
When a man ends he is only beginning,
and when he stops he is still bewildered.
What is man, of what worth is he?
the good, the evil in him, what are these?
The sum of a man's days is great
if it reaches a hundred years:
Like a drop of sea water, like a grain of sand,
so are these few years among the days of eternity.
That is why the Lord is patient with men
and showers upon them his mercy.
He sees and understands that their death is grievous,
and so he forgives them all the more.
Man may be merciful to his fellow man,
but the Lord's mercy reaches all flesh,
Reproving, admonishing, teaching,
as a shepherd guides his flock;
Merciful to those who accept his guidance,
who are diligent in his precepts.
My son, to your charity add no reproach,
nor spoil any gift by harsh words.
Like dew that abates a burning wind,
so does a word improve a gift.
Sometimes the word means more than the gift;
both are offered by a kindly man.
Only a fool upbraids before giving;
a grudging gift wears out the expectant eyes.
Be informed before speaking;
before sickness prepare the cure.
Before you are judged, seek merit for yourself,
and at the time of visitation you will have a ransom.
the Lord alone is just.
Whom has he made equal to describing his works,
and who can probe his mighty deeds?
Who can measure his majestic power,
or exhaust the tale of his mercies?
One cannot lessen, nor increase,
nor penetrate the wonders of the Lord.
When a man ends he is only beginning,
and when he stops he is still bewildered.
What is man, of what worth is he?
the good, the evil in him, what are these?
The sum of a man's days is great
if it reaches a hundred years:
Like a drop of sea water, like a grain of sand,
so are these few years among the days of eternity.
That is why the Lord is patient with men
and showers upon them his mercy.
He sees and understands that their death is grievous,
and so he forgives them all the more.
Man may be merciful to his fellow man,
but the Lord's mercy reaches all flesh,
Reproving, admonishing, teaching,
as a shepherd guides his flock;
Merciful to those who accept his guidance,
who are diligent in his precepts.
My son, to your charity add no reproach,
nor spoil any gift by harsh words.
Like dew that abates a burning wind,
so does a word improve a gift.
Sometimes the word means more than the gift;
both are offered by a kindly man.
Only a fool upbraids before giving;
a grudging gift wears out the expectant eyes.
Be informed before speaking;
before sickness prepare the cure.
Before you are judged, seek merit for yourself,
and at the time of visitation you will have a ransom.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
More Sirach
Be generous to all the living,
and withhold not your kindness from the dead.
Avoid not those who weep,
but mourn with those who mourn;
Neglect not to visit the sick-
for these things you will be loved.
In whatever you do, remember your last
days,
and you will never sin. (Sirach 7:33-36).
Quarrel not with a rich man,
lest he pay out the price of your downfall;
For gold has dazzled many,
and perverts the character of princes. (Sirach 8:2).
Shame not a repentant sinner;
remember, we all are guilty. (SIRACH 8:5).
Insult no man when he is old,
for some of us, too, will grow old. (Sirach 8:6).
(Notice the subtle hint that many will not even make it to old age!)
Rejoice not when a man dies;
remember, we are all to die.
Spurn not the discourse of the wise,
but acquaint yourself with their proverbs;
From them you will acquire the training
to serve in the presence of princes.
Reject not the tradition of old men
which they have learned from their fatehrs;
From it you will obtain the knowledge
how to answer in time of need. (Sirach 7:7-9).
Give no woman power over you
to trample upon your dignity. (Sirach 9:2).
Bring not every man into your house,
for many are the snares of the crafty one;
Though he seem like a bird confined in a cage,
yet like a spy he will pick out the weak spots.
The talebearer turns good into evil;
with a spark he sets many coals afire. (Sirach 11:29-31).
and withhold not your kindness from the dead.
Avoid not those who weep,
but mourn with those who mourn;
Neglect not to visit the sick-
for these things you will be loved.
In whatever you do, remember your last
days,
and you will never sin. (Sirach 7:33-36).
Quarrel not with a rich man,
lest he pay out the price of your downfall;
For gold has dazzled many,
and perverts the character of princes. (Sirach 8:2).
Shame not a repentant sinner;
remember, we all are guilty. (SIRACH 8:5).
Insult no man when he is old,
for some of us, too, will grow old. (Sirach 8:6).
(Notice the subtle hint that many will not even make it to old age!)
Rejoice not when a man dies;
remember, we are all to die.
Spurn not the discourse of the wise,
but acquaint yourself with their proverbs;
From them you will acquire the training
to serve in the presence of princes.
Reject not the tradition of old men
which they have learned from their fatehrs;
From it you will obtain the knowledge
how to answer in time of need. (Sirach 7:7-9).
Give no woman power over you
to trample upon your dignity. (Sirach 9:2).
Bring not every man into your house,
for many are the snares of the crafty one;
Though he seem like a bird confined in a cage,
yet like a spy he will pick out the weak spots.
The talebearer turns good into evil;
with a spark he sets many coals afire. (Sirach 11:29-31).
More Sirach
Say nothing harmful, small or great;
be not a foe instead of a friend. (Sirach 6:1).
A kind mouth multiplies friends,
and gracious lips prompt friendly greetings. (Sirach 6:5).
A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter;
he who finds one finds a treasure. (Sirach 6:14).
My son, from your youth embrace discipline;
thus will you find wisdom with graying hair.
As though plowing and sowing, draw close to
her;
then await her bountiful crops. (Sirach 6:18-19).
Do no evil, and evil will not overtake you;
avoid wickedness, and it will turn aside
from you. (Sirach 7:1-2).
Seek not from the Lord authority,
nor from the king a place of honor. (Sirach 7:4)
Seek not to become a judge
if you have not strength to root out crime,
Or you will show favor to the ruler
and mar your integrity. (Sirach 7:6).
Laugh not at an embittered man;
be mindful of him who exalts and
humbles. (Sirach 7:11).
Delight not in telling lie after lie,
for it never results in good. (Sirach 7:13).
be not a foe instead of a friend. (Sirach 6:1).
A kind mouth multiplies friends,
and gracious lips prompt friendly greetings. (Sirach 6:5).
A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter;
he who finds one finds a treasure. (Sirach 6:14).
My son, from your youth embrace discipline;
thus will you find wisdom with graying hair.
As though plowing and sowing, draw close to
her;
then await her bountiful crops. (Sirach 6:18-19).
Do no evil, and evil will not overtake you;
avoid wickedness, and it will turn aside
from you. (Sirach 7:1-2).
Seek not from the Lord authority,
nor from the king a place of honor. (Sirach 7:4)
Seek not to become a judge
if you have not strength to root out crime,
Or you will show favor to the ruler
and mar your integrity. (Sirach 7:6).
Laugh not at an embittered man;
be mindful of him who exalts and
humbles. (Sirach 7:11).
Delight not in telling lie after lie,
for it never results in good. (Sirach 7:13).
More Sirach
Kindle not the coals of a sinner,
lest you be consumed in his flaming fire (Sirach 8:10).
lest you be consumed in his flaming fire (Sirach 8:10).
Bible Reading: Sirach 9:10-16
Sirach is one of the books that you find in the Catholic Bible; the Protestant bibles removed this book. It's one of my favorites. Here is the section about "Choice of Friends."
Sirach 9:10-16
Discard not an old friend,
for the new one cannot equal him.
A new friend is like new wine
which you drink with pleasure only when it has aged.
Envy not a sinner's fame,
for you know not what disaster awaits him.
Rejoice not at a proud man's success;
remember he will not reach death unpunished.
Keep far from the man who has power to kill,
and you will not be filled with the dread of death.
But if you approach him, offend him not,
lest he take away your life;
Know that you are stepping among snares
and walking over a net.
As best you can, take your neighbors'
measure,
and associate with the wise.
With the learned be intimate;
let all your conversation be about the law of
the Lord.
Have just men for your table companions;
in the fear of God be your glory.
Sirach 9:10-16
Discard not an old friend,
for the new one cannot equal him.
A new friend is like new wine
which you drink with pleasure only when it has aged.
Envy not a sinner's fame,
for you know not what disaster awaits him.
Rejoice not at a proud man's success;
remember he will not reach death unpunished.
Keep far from the man who has power to kill,
and you will not be filled with the dread of death.
But if you approach him, offend him not,
lest he take away your life;
Know that you are stepping among snares
and walking over a net.
As best you can, take your neighbors'
measure,
and associate with the wise.
With the learned be intimate;
let all your conversation be about the law of
the Lord.
Have just men for your table companions;
in the fear of God be your glory.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Bible Reading: Sirach, and historical context
Sirach 34
Empty and false are the hopes of the senseless, and fools are borne aloft by dreams. Like a man who catches at shadows or chases the wind, is the one who believes in dreams. What is seen in dreams is to reality what the reflection of a face is to the face itself. Can the unclean produce the clean? Can the liar even speak the truth? Divination, omens and dreams all are unreal; what you already expect, the mind depicts. Unless it be a vision specially sent by the Most High, fix not year heart on it; for dreams have led many astray, and those who believed in them have perished. The Law is fulfilled without fail, and perfect wisdom is found in the mouth of the faithful man.
A man with training gains wide knowledge; a man of experience speaks sense. One never put to the proof knows little, whereas with travel a man adds to his resourcefulness. I have seen much in my travels, learned more than ever I could say. Often I was in danger of death, but by these attainments I was saved.
Lively is the courage of those who fear the Lord, for they put their hope in their savior; he who fears the Lord is never alarmed, never afraid; for the Lord is his hope. Happy the soul that fears the Lord! In whom does he trust, and who is his support? The eyes of the Lord are upon those who love him; he is their mighty shield and strong support, a shelter from the heat, a shade from the noonday sun, a guard against stumbling, a help against falling. He buoys up the spirits, brings a sparkle to the eyes, gives health and life and blessing.
Tainted his gifts who offers in sacrifice ill-gotten good! Mock presents from the lawless win not God’s favor. The Most High approved not the gifts of the godless, nor for their many sacrifices does he forgive their sins. Like the man who slays a son in his father’s presence is he who offers sacrifice from the possessions of the poor. The bread of charity is life itself for the needy; he who withholds it is a man of blood. He slays his neighbor who deprives him of his living; he sheds blood who denies the laborer his wages.
If one man builds up and another tears down, what do they gain but trouble? If one man prays and another curses, whose voice will the Lord hear? If a man again touches a corpse after he has bathed, what did he gain by the purification? So with a man who fasts for his sins, but then goes and commits them again: Who will hear his prayer, and what has he gained by his mortification?
***
The Book of Sirach was written by Jesus, son of Eleazar, son of Sirach, in Hebrew, between 200 and 175 BC. The text was translated into Greek by the author’s grandson, who also wrote a forward to the text. Read what he wrote and remind yourself that this grandson wrote this introduction sometime around 132 BC, very near to the time of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth just over a hundred years later:
Many important truths have been handed down to us through the Law, the Prophets, and the later authors; and for these the instruction and wisdom of Israel merit praise. Now, those who are familiar with these truths must not only understand them themselves, but a lover of wisdom, be able, in speech and in writing, to help others less familiar. Such a one was my grandfather, Jesus, who, having devoted himself for a long time to the diligent study of the Law, the Prophets, and the rest of the books of our ancestors [comment: he means here the Sacred Scriptures of the Old Testament written before the time of Sirach, according to the threefold division of the present Hebrew Bible], and having developed a thorough familiarity with them, was moved to write something himself in the nature of instruction and wisdom, in order that those who love wisdom might, by acquainting themselves with what he too had written, make even greater progress in living with conformity with the Divine Law. [comment: Though not included in the Hebrew Bible after the 1st century AD, nor accepted by Protestants, the Book of Sirach has always been recognized by the Catholic Church as divinely inspired and canonical, except for this forward, which is important for its information.]
You therefore are now invited to read it in a spirit of attentive good will, with indulgence for any apparent failure on our part, despite earnest efforts, in the interpretation of particular passages. For words spoken originally in Hebrew are not as effective when they are translated into another language. That is true not only of this book but of the Law itself, the Prophets, and the rest of the books, which differ no little when they are read in the original. [comment: Are you not amazed to read the words of the translating grandson of an author of a Bible book, 2139 years after they were written? And how plain and relaxed they are about the problems of translation that the holiest men of their times faced then? It makes the harshness and rigidity of argument on this subject nowadays even more painful in comparison. The holiest people of the time of the Bible authorship did not act as though every word was life or death in its exact accuracy of translation. Instead they kept their priority on conveying the divine wisdom.]
I arrived in Egypt in the thirty-eighth year of the reign of King Euergetes and while there, I found a reproduction of our valuable teaching [comment: this is the source of the 132 BC date for the writing of this forward.] I therefore considered myself in duty bound to devote some diligence and industry to the translation of this book. Many sleepless hours of close application have I devoted in the interval to finishing the book for publication, for the benefit of those living abroad who wish to acquire wisdom and are disposed to live their lives according to the standards of the Law.
**
Is this not a wonderful forward by a religious and charmingly open grandson? Bless his heart, along with of course his grandfather, the author of Sirach, for their holy work. By reading this you are first hand experiencing the thoughts of the grandson of the author of a Bible book that has contributed to the Catholic Church liturgy. Read Sirach 1: 1-13 here:
All wisdom comes from the Lord and with him it remains forever. The sand of the seashore, the drops of rain, the days of eternity: who can number these? Heaven’s height, earth’s breadth, the depths of the abyss: who can explore these? Before all things else wisdom was created; and prudent understanding from eternity. To whom has wisdom’s roots been revealed? Who knows her subtleties? There is but one, wise and truly awe-inspiring, seated upon his throne: It is the Lord; he created her, has seen her and taken note of her. He has poured her forth upon all his works, upon every living thing according to his bounty; he has lavished her upon his friends.
Fear of the Lord is glory and splendor, gladness and a festive crown. Fear of the Lord warms the heart, giving gladness and joy and length of days. He who fears the Lord will have a happy end; even on the day of his death he will be blessed. The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord, which is formed with the faithful in the womb. With devoted men was she created from of old, and with her children her beneficence abides.
**Notice the beautiful last few sentences that refer to the preborn baby as having the beginning of wisdom in the fear of the Lord! I’ve alluded to this in my writings that the soul is received by the baby upon its conception and quickening, and also the accompaniment and instruction of its guardian angel. People two thousand years ago understood the sanctity and perfection of preborn life. How smart are people today?
Empty and false are the hopes of the senseless, and fools are borne aloft by dreams. Like a man who catches at shadows or chases the wind, is the one who believes in dreams. What is seen in dreams is to reality what the reflection of a face is to the face itself. Can the unclean produce the clean? Can the liar even speak the truth? Divination, omens and dreams all are unreal; what you already expect, the mind depicts. Unless it be a vision specially sent by the Most High, fix not year heart on it; for dreams have led many astray, and those who believed in them have perished. The Law is fulfilled without fail, and perfect wisdom is found in the mouth of the faithful man.
A man with training gains wide knowledge; a man of experience speaks sense. One never put to the proof knows little, whereas with travel a man adds to his resourcefulness. I have seen much in my travels, learned more than ever I could say. Often I was in danger of death, but by these attainments I was saved.
Lively is the courage of those who fear the Lord, for they put their hope in their savior; he who fears the Lord is never alarmed, never afraid; for the Lord is his hope. Happy the soul that fears the Lord! In whom does he trust, and who is his support? The eyes of the Lord are upon those who love him; he is their mighty shield and strong support, a shelter from the heat, a shade from the noonday sun, a guard against stumbling, a help against falling. He buoys up the spirits, brings a sparkle to the eyes, gives health and life and blessing.
Tainted his gifts who offers in sacrifice ill-gotten good! Mock presents from the lawless win not God’s favor. The Most High approved not the gifts of the godless, nor for their many sacrifices does he forgive their sins. Like the man who slays a son in his father’s presence is he who offers sacrifice from the possessions of the poor. The bread of charity is life itself for the needy; he who withholds it is a man of blood. He slays his neighbor who deprives him of his living; he sheds blood who denies the laborer his wages.
If one man builds up and another tears down, what do they gain but trouble? If one man prays and another curses, whose voice will the Lord hear? If a man again touches a corpse after he has bathed, what did he gain by the purification? So with a man who fasts for his sins, but then goes and commits them again: Who will hear his prayer, and what has he gained by his mortification?
***
The Book of Sirach was written by Jesus, son of Eleazar, son of Sirach, in Hebrew, between 200 and 175 BC. The text was translated into Greek by the author’s grandson, who also wrote a forward to the text. Read what he wrote and remind yourself that this grandson wrote this introduction sometime around 132 BC, very near to the time of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth just over a hundred years later:
Many important truths have been handed down to us through the Law, the Prophets, and the later authors; and for these the instruction and wisdom of Israel merit praise. Now, those who are familiar with these truths must not only understand them themselves, but a lover of wisdom, be able, in speech and in writing, to help others less familiar. Such a one was my grandfather, Jesus, who, having devoted himself for a long time to the diligent study of the Law, the Prophets, and the rest of the books of our ancestors [comment: he means here the Sacred Scriptures of the Old Testament written before the time of Sirach, according to the threefold division of the present Hebrew Bible], and having developed a thorough familiarity with them, was moved to write something himself in the nature of instruction and wisdom, in order that those who love wisdom might, by acquainting themselves with what he too had written, make even greater progress in living with conformity with the Divine Law. [comment: Though not included in the Hebrew Bible after the 1st century AD, nor accepted by Protestants, the Book of Sirach has always been recognized by the Catholic Church as divinely inspired and canonical, except for this forward, which is important for its information.]
You therefore are now invited to read it in a spirit of attentive good will, with indulgence for any apparent failure on our part, despite earnest efforts, in the interpretation of particular passages. For words spoken originally in Hebrew are not as effective when they are translated into another language. That is true not only of this book but of the Law itself, the Prophets, and the rest of the books, which differ no little when they are read in the original. [comment: Are you not amazed to read the words of the translating grandson of an author of a Bible book, 2139 years after they were written? And how plain and relaxed they are about the problems of translation that the holiest men of their times faced then? It makes the harshness and rigidity of argument on this subject nowadays even more painful in comparison. The holiest people of the time of the Bible authorship did not act as though every word was life or death in its exact accuracy of translation. Instead they kept their priority on conveying the divine wisdom.]
I arrived in Egypt in the thirty-eighth year of the reign of King Euergetes and while there, I found a reproduction of our valuable teaching [comment: this is the source of the 132 BC date for the writing of this forward.] I therefore considered myself in duty bound to devote some diligence and industry to the translation of this book. Many sleepless hours of close application have I devoted in the interval to finishing the book for publication, for the benefit of those living abroad who wish to acquire wisdom and are disposed to live their lives according to the standards of the Law.
**
Is this not a wonderful forward by a religious and charmingly open grandson? Bless his heart, along with of course his grandfather, the author of Sirach, for their holy work. By reading this you are first hand experiencing the thoughts of the grandson of the author of a Bible book that has contributed to the Catholic Church liturgy. Read Sirach 1: 1-13 here:
All wisdom comes from the Lord and with him it remains forever. The sand of the seashore, the drops of rain, the days of eternity: who can number these? Heaven’s height, earth’s breadth, the depths of the abyss: who can explore these? Before all things else wisdom was created; and prudent understanding from eternity. To whom has wisdom’s roots been revealed? Who knows her subtleties? There is but one, wise and truly awe-inspiring, seated upon his throne: It is the Lord; he created her, has seen her and taken note of her. He has poured her forth upon all his works, upon every living thing according to his bounty; he has lavished her upon his friends.
Fear of the Lord is glory and splendor, gladness and a festive crown. Fear of the Lord warms the heart, giving gladness and joy and length of days. He who fears the Lord will have a happy end; even on the day of his death he will be blessed. The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord, which is formed with the faithful in the womb. With devoted men was she created from of old, and with her children her beneficence abides.
**Notice the beautiful last few sentences that refer to the preborn baby as having the beginning of wisdom in the fear of the Lord! I’ve alluded to this in my writings that the soul is received by the baby upon its conception and quickening, and also the accompaniment and instruction of its guardian angel. People two thousand years ago understood the sanctity and perfection of preborn life. How smart are people today?
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