Wisdom breathes life
into her children
and admonishes those
who seek her.
He who loves her loves life;
those who seek her
will be embraced
by the Lord.
(Sirach 4:11-12)
Wisdom is portrayed as a nurturing and protective guide. It seeks out those who are worthy of it and reveals itself to them. It serves as a guardian and a mentor to those who embrace it.
Loving wisdom brings honor and blessings. Those who love wisdom will be loved by God, and those who seek wisdom will find joy and receive guidance from it. Wisdom promises to bring peace and prosperity to those who pursue it diligently.
Wisdom tests those who seek it. There may be periods of hardship and discipline, which are necessary for growth and development. Enduring these tests with patience and faith will ultimately lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of wisdom.
Those who persist in their quest for wisdom will be rewarded. Wisdom brings treasures and benefits, including knowledge, understanding, and a righteous path in life. The rewards are not only material but also spiritual, leading to a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Humility and a willingness to learn are essential for gaining wisdom. Impatience and pride can hinder one's progress and prevent them from receiving the full benefits of wisdom.
In essence, Sirach encourages us to embrace wisdom with love, patience, and humility. It highlights the importance of enduring challenges and tests with faith, as these are part of the journey toward true wisdom and fulfillment.
A whisper soft, a guiding voice,
To seek her is a noble choice,
In her embrace, souls are risen.
She breathes life into the weary,
With gentle hands, she leads the way,
Through shadows dark, to light of day,
Her lessons sung, not harsh, nor dreary.
He who loves her loves his life,
In wisdom’s grace, his heart shall soar,
Through trials faced and battles bore,
In her presence, there’s no strife.
Those who seek her shall be blessed,
Embraced by Lord, in warmth divine,
In wisdom’s light, their spirits shine,
In her guidance, find their rest.
With every step, her counsel pure,
Admonishing, yet ever kind,
In seeking her, true peace they find,
In wisdom’s arms, forever sure.
For wisdom breathes and wisdom guides,
In her we trust, in her confide,
Her children safe, no need to hide,
In her embrace, all strife subsides.
Heavenly Father,
We come before You, grateful for the gift of wisdom that breathes life into Your children. We seek Your guidance and embrace the admonitions that lead us closer to You.
O Lord, grant us the love for wisdom that brings us to love life fully. May our hearts be ever eager to seek and cherish wisdom, knowing that in doing so, we are embraced by Your divine love and grace.
Help us to walk in the light of wisdom, to find joy in its teachings, and to persevere through the tests it may bring. May we remain humble and patient, always open to learning and growing in Your truth.
We thank You, Lord, for the promise of wisdom’s rewards—for the knowledge, understanding, and peace it imparts. Let Your wisdom guide our steps, comfort our souls, and lead us on the path of righteousness.
In Your holy name, we pray.
Amen.
Pericope
The Wisdom of Sirach
THE REWARDS OF WISDOM
Sirach 4:11-19
First Reading | Sirach 4:11-19
11 Wisdom breathes life into her children and admonishes those who seek her. 12 He who loves her loves life; those who seek her will be embraced by the Lord. 13 He who holds her fast inherits glory; wherever he dwells, the Lord bestows blessings. 14 Those who serve her serve the Holy One; those who love her the Lord loves. 15 He who obeys her judges nations; he who hearkens to her dwells in her inmost chambers. 16 If one trusts her, he will possess her; his descendants too will inherit her. 17 She walks with him as a stranger, and at first she puts him to the test; fear and dread she brings upon him and tries him with her discipline until she try him by her laws and trust his soul. 18 Then she comes back to bring him happiness and reveal her secrets to them and she will heap upon him treasures of knowledge and an understanding of justice. 19 But if he fails her, she will abandon him and deliver him into the hands of despoilers.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
