Jesus Ben Sira of Jerusalem: A Biblical Guide to Living Wisely

by Daniel J. Harrington

Questions of vocation and character formation become important to students as they continue to receive higher education. Jesus Ben Sira combines secular wisdom from Near Eastern wisdom sources and divine revelations from the Hebrew Bible to create the Book of Sirach. By applying form criticism to Ben Sira's book, Daniel J. Harrington provides students with historical information of the psychological and sociological context underlying Ben Sira's teachings, as well as an understanding of how Ben Sira's ancient wisdom can contribute to personal and social formation in the 21st century. Chapters include Ben Sira and His Book, Ben Sira and Other Wisdom Books, Reading Ben Sira's Book, Ben Sira's Ways of Teaching, Ben Sira's Social World, Ben Sira's Abiding Wisdom, as well as references, suggestions for further study, and an index. Daniel J. Harrington, S.J., Ph.D., is a professor of New Testament at the Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He has written numerous scholarly works, including Paul on the Mystery of Israel, The Gospel of Matthew , and The Gospel According to Matthew published by the Liturgical Press. This book is part of the series Interfaces.

Paperback

First published October 1, 2005

About the author

Rev. Father Daniel J. Harrington, SJ, was a professor of New Testament studies and chairman of Biblical Studies at Boston College’s School of Theology and Ministry. He received a PhD in biblical languages and literatures from Harvard University. A past president of the Catholic Biblical Association, he wrote more than two dozen books about the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book focuses on practical
wisdom and ethical teachings of
Ben Sira. It provides insights on
various aspects of life, including
relationships, family, friendship
work, and personal conduct. He
offers advice on cultivating virtues
such as humility, kindness, and
patience, to live a fulfilling and
righteous life.

(If you are not a journal enthusiast, do take the trouble to take notes down on a piece of paper)