Ben Sira 3:17-23
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Humility[a]
17 My son, conduct your affairs with humility,
and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts.
18 Humble yourself the more, the greater you are,
and you will find mercy in the sight of God.[b](A)
20 For great is the power of the Lord;
by the humble he is glorified.
21 What is too sublime for you, do not seek;
do not reach into things that are hidden from you.(B)
22 What is committed to you, pay heed to;
what is hidden is not your concern.
23 In matters that are beyond you do not meddle,
when you have been shown more than you can understand.
Footnotes
- 3:17–24 Humility gives you a true estimate of yourself (vv. 17–20; cf. 10:28), so that you will do what should be done, and avoid what is beyond your understanding and strength (vv. 21–23). Intellectual pride, however, leads you astray (v. 24). Ben Sira is perhaps warning his students against the perils of Greek philosophy.
- 3:18
Other ancient texts read as v. 19:
Many are lofty and famous,
but to the humble he reveals his plan.
Sirach 3:17-23
Good News Translation
Humility
17 My child, be humble in everything you do, and people will appreciate it more than gifts.[a] 18 (A)The greater you become, the more humble you should be; then the Lord will be pleased with you.[b] 20 The Lord's power is great, and he is honored by those who are humble. 21 Don't try to understand things that are too hard for you, or investigate matters that are beyond your power to know. 22 (B)Concentrate on the Law, which has been given to you. You do not need to know about things which the Lord has not revealed, 23 so don't concern yourself with them. After all, what has been shown to you is beyond human power to understand.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Sirach 3:17 Hebrew people...gifts; Greek those whom the Lord approves will love you.
- Sirach 3:18 Some Greek manuscripts add verse 19: Many are exalted and esteemed, but God's secrets are revealed to the humble; Hebrew: God's mercy is great, and he reveals his secrets to those who are humble.
Sirach 3:17-23
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
Humility
17 My child, perform your tasks with humility;[a]
then you will be loved by those whom God accepts.
18 The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself;
so you will find favor in the sight of the Lord.[b]
20 For great is the might of the Lord;
but by the humble he is glorified.
21 Neither seek what is too difficult for you,
nor investigate what is beyond your power.
22 Reflect upon what you have been commanded,
for what is hidden is not your concern.
23 Do not meddle in matters that are beyond you,
for more than you can understand has been shown you.
Footnotes
- Sirach 3:17 Heb: Gk meekness
- Sirach 3:18 Other ancient authorities add as verse 19, Many are lofty and renowned, but to the humble he reveals his secrets.
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