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Wisdom of Ben Sira 38:23-25
New Catholic Bible
Wisdom of Ben Sira 38:23-25
New Catholic Bible
23 When the dead have been laid to rest, let their memory cease;
be comforted for them once their spirits have departed.
The Splendid Vocation of the Scribe[a]
No Craft Is Useless[b]
24 Leisure affords the scribe the opportunity to increase in wisdom;
only the one who is burdened by few tasks can become wise.
25 How can anyone become wise who handles a plow
and who takes great pride in wielding the goad,
who drives oxen, engrossed in that task,
and whose main topic of conversation centers around cattle?
Footnotes
- Wisdom of Ben Sira 38:24 With a notable artistic talent and acute observations the author describes the crafts commonly practiced in Palestine. All activities are depicted in a negative fashion so as to highlight the most sublime profession of the scribe. He alone, master of Scripture and wisdom, finds the freedom to understand life and the law and teach others.
- Wisdom of Ben Sira 38:24 Very artfully, the author evokes the skillful actions and the concerns of peasants and artisans. He acknowledges the need of their work for the life of human beings. But, in his opinion, work completely occupies those who give themselves to it and takes away the leisure to reflect and study.
