Wise teaching: The mind firmly resolved after careful deliberation will not be afraid at any time. Ben Sira 22:16
The master of wisdom Ben Sira taught in his sapiential book how the firmness is inextricably linked to wisdom. It is very difficult for someone who makes wise decisions to be as fickle as passing clouds, because wisdom is first and foremost precision and accuracy, and that is the difference with the cardinal virtue of prudence, the wisdom has three characteristics, the divine science is way, truth, and life as Lord Jesus explained in John 14:6.
But wisdom is also linked to firmness because wisdom as a spiritual gift is the fructification, or the full development, of the gift of fear of God in the heart: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" Proverbs 1:7.
This is why the master of wisdom in a metaphorical way taught in his book:
"A wooden beam firmly bonded into a building
is not loosened by an earthquake;
so the mind firmly resolved after careful deliberation
will not be afraid at any time" Ben Sira 22:16.
But it is also important to note that the opposite occurs in fools, that is, inconstancy and lack of firmness occur in those who follow only their own desires and passing whims. Wisdom, and this is something very characteristic of her, allows psychological resistance in situations of great stress and suffering, in front to situations in which a normal person would break down, wisdom is essentially a great spiritual shield.
This is why the master of wisdom continued with his teaching:
"Fences lying on a high place
will not stand firm against the wind.
Neither can a mind made timid by foolish plans
withstand any kind of fear" Ben Sira 22:18.
And the truth of this wise teaching can be corroborated in many stories of the Bible. David defeated Goliath through firmness and mastering fear in a situation where the advantage was in favor of the enemy. The same thing happened when Hezekiah, advised by the prophet Isaiah, had to face the tyrant Sennacherib when Jerusalem was besieged. Wisdom is essentially a blessing and those who cultivate her in the heart enjoy its fruits.
For more information visit my profile follow the link and download for free my ebook.