Sirach and Jesus

The book of Sirach is accepted by Roman Catholics as scripture. It is not accepted by Orthodox Catholics or most non-Catholic denominations.

Sirach was a high ranking Jewish teacher much like the Sanhedrin members of the New Testament. He wrote to give a mature look at customs such as drinking, slave ownership, and general social rules of his day.

Since it was from his own personal wisdom there is no evidence it was scripture, nor was it by the Holy Spirit that can be proven.

The book gives various rules about work. Slave treatment. Drinking.

1. It says to always work quickly. This is generally a good rule to have a good work ethic. Yet it isn't always prudent to work quickly. Yet Catholics tend to exact speed when forcing others to work under them.

2. They were to beat unproductive slaves who did not work as they demanded.

3. They were to exact more work from others so they could have more leisure.

Instead of this being compatible with Christ it is actually what Jesus rebuked of the Jewish leaders of his day.

Mat 23:4  For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

Mat 23:5  But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

The idea was they laid a weight on others they themselves did not carry.

Thus Sirach is from a Jewish point of view, but not necessarily of Christ.

It gives Catholics a sortid moral authority to over bear others, but to make themselves rich .

Pro 28:20  A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.