THE WISDOM OF SIRACH - Part Two

The Family & Friends [Sir. 11- Sir. 22]

By: Fr. Tadros Y. Malaty, Bishoy Boshra Behnam

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

The Family and Friends The Book of Ben Sirach may be considered a book of wisdom based on God's precepts and intended for practicing a life that is pleasing to Him. The book carefully examines the relationships between men and women, especially those between the couple, the family members, and connections between friends. Amazingly, it deals with some issues that date back to about 2200 years, yet these writings continue to be helpful and applicable up to the present day. Marriage or family life is the basis upon which society is founded. If it is dissolved, the corporation is dissolved with it, and if friendships and family relationships- especially for children- are maintained, then society emerges as a stable construct. No authority or laws can instill the spirit of love and security in marital and family life without the resort to God's grace and comprehending God's plan for us. God, Himself, has set up the family as the primary spiritual, social construct. Up to the present day, a person is gladdened to attend or participate in wedding ceremonies and feel related to their relatives and friends. The happily married person cherishes the celebration of marriage yearly, or of the silver or golden jubilee. Ben Sirach lays great importance on the husband's attachment to his youth's woman, which ensures his loyalty in protecting his home's safety. He often cautions against the factors that might tempt a person to adultery and corrupt his family's sanctity.