Sirach

Jeremy Corley is a Catholic priest of the Diocese of Portsmouth, UK. Following several years of parish ministry, he completed a doctorate in biblical studies at the Catholic University of America. He has published books and articles on biblical topics, especially the book of Sirach, and now teaches Scripture at St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, Ireland.

• CONTENTSAbbreviations    4 THE BOOK OF SIRACHIntroduction   5Text and Commentary    9Grandson’s Prologue    9Understanding Wisdom (1:1–4:10)    12Using Wisdom Personally (4:11–6:17)    21Applying Wisdom Socially (6:18–14:19)    25Wisdom in Speech and Thought (14:20–23:27)    44Wisdom in Domestic Life (24:1–32:13)    68Using Wisdom to Make Good Decisions (32:14–38:23)    89Demonstrating the Results of Wisdom (38:24–42:14)    106Wisdom in Creation and History (42:15–50:24)    119Postscripts and Appendices (50:25–51:30)    144Review Aids and Discussion Topics    149Index of Citations from the Catechism of the Catholic Church    152

“This new work is an excellent commentary written by Dr. Jeremy Corley, one of the foremost experts on Sirach (the Wisdom of Ben Sira). Corley’s familiarity with the vast literature on this fascinating Wisdom book shines through his concise comments. Especially valuable are the many cross references he provides to other parts of Sirach as well as to the rest of Old Testament and even the New Testament. Corley’s work ranks among the best short commentaries available today.“            Alexander A. Di Lella, OFM            Professor Emeritus Biblical Studies            The Catholic University of AmericaAuthor of The Wisdom of Ben Sira (Anchor Bible vol. 39; New York: Doubleday, 1987)