Sirach — Why it Is not Canon, but Extremely Edifying

I've come to the Apocrypha, and certainly don't think it ought to be in the Bible. But, like Pilgrim's Progress, or the number of other appendixes we use, such as Bible Commentaries, Works of Religious Poetry, Works of Religious Fiction, Essay Books, etc. Sirach is extremely edifying for the church body.

One of the most important themes in the book, which struck me, is the theme of Self Respect. It's something the Bible does not speak of---as Sirach gives a lot of Worldly Wise sayings which do not appear in the Bible---and I find that silence very revealing. It's one of the reasons I don't canonize Sirach as a work of Biblical exegesis. It's definitely not scripture, but it is a very, very wise compilation of important concepts one needs for success in life.

Sirach is a worldly book. It's a worldly wise book, meant to teach us how to navigate this world, and thereby gain success. Therefore, when it talks of "Self Respect", and appraising oneself correctly, it's speaking on a matter that the Bible speaks nothing of. But, it is giving a deep revelation about concepts natural to the human mind. It is a natural thought humans have to underlay self respect, and concentrate heavily on it. The whole society of America is infatuated with the idea of Self Love, and I think the context of Self Love is deceptive. The wording of it implies one ought to be loving toward themselves. However, Sirach talks of Self Respect, which is to accurately appraise oneself and one's own abilities. Not to be so humble, that you undervalue yourself. And that's wisdom for the world, and it's very important to understand it in that context. But, it's also very much a good indicator of what maybe American Society is lacking. In our constant obsession with Self Love, we forget the point of Self Respect. We esteem ourselves too highly when we "Self Love", but with "Self Respect" we appropriately navigate life, with the right amount of confidence and with hope.

As, Sirach talks a lot about losing hope, and how it is a sin. A lot of the concepts are not scripture, but teach a Christian an Anti-Value system, opposite of that which we normally associate with Christ's teachings. Which, are in no way conflicting with Christ, but it seems to put a check to the selflessness we often ascribe to Christianity and its teachings. Rather, it says not to be selfish, but on another hand, it tells us to enjoy our money. It tells us not to be lazy, but on the other hand to work slow and consistent. It tells us on the one hand not to be prideful, but also not to be so humble that we forget to appraise our gifts and talents rightly. It tells us common sense wisdom with regard to how to act around judges, rich men, rulers...

It is perhaps one of the wisest books I'd ever encountered. But, not scripture. Wise, edifying for a Christian who will gain success... But not canon. There's subtle points that go a little too far, and are not nuanced enough to give the balance of scripture. They don't strike that balance of a Biblical Proverb, but do have the axiomatic and perfected wisdom of sagacity.

Therefore, one could read Sirach the same way they'd read Confucius or Aristotle. Or, more precisely, C. S. Lewis or G. K. Chesterton; Augustine or Aquinas. In that the philosopher is rooted in God's word, but has error which the attuned reader needs to sift out. But, every verse is highly wise and good information to hold close to your heart, as it is wisdom.