NOTES for Sir 4:10-17
Jesus, son of Sirach, says of Wisdom: "At first she will walk with him by winding paths, bring fear and dread upon him, and torment him with her guidance until she is sure of his soul and tests him by her statutes." What is this? Has an evil God decided to mock His children and send a terrifying wisdom that torments, leads in circles, and makes them tremble with fear? But we believe that God is good and merciful. Then why these horrors? Let us think about it. The wisdom of God is not at all the same as human wisdom. The one who receives His wisdom begins to see the world differently. And the path he walks may look winding from the viewpoint of ordinary human logic. And measuring everything that once seemed normal against the shining and blinding reality of God's truth can be simply painful. The reading ends here, but I will still continue in order to end on a brighter note. Jesus, son of Sirach, then says: "But afterward she will come to him on a straight path, make him glad, and reveal her secrets to him."