Publisher's Synopsis
The Wisdom of Sirach is a collection of ethical teachings. Thus Sirach, sometimes called Ecclesiasticus, closely resembles Proverbs, except that, unlike the latter, it is presented as the work of a single author, not an anthology of maxims drawn from various sources, presented in verse form. This book present the Ben Sira's proverbs preserved in talmudic and rabbinic literature (included 'Alphabets' of Ben Sira). The English translation of each of these proverbs is included here. This is a valuable book to anyone interested in Jewish studies.Excerpt: I.Sir. 3, 21.a.Seadyah in ס״ הגלוי (ed. Harkavy), p. 178, 1. 18, quotes as an extract from the Wisdom of Eleazar ben Irai (see Preface) the following: (This seems to be the original text of Ben Sira.)Inquire not into that which is too difficult for thee;and that which is concealed from thee search not out.Attend to that which is permitted to thee: thou hast no business with hidden things.b.J. T. Ḥaghigah, II. (fol. 77c).That which is too difficult for thee, why shouldest thou know?that which is deeper than Sheol, why shouldest thou search out?Attend to that which is permitted to thee: thou hast no business with hidden things.c.B. T. Ḥaghigah, fol. 130.Inquire not into that which is too great for thee;and that which is too hard for thee, search not out.That which is too difficult for thee do not know;and that which is concealed from thee do not ask.Attend to that which is permitted to thee;thou hast no business with hidden thin
