Sirach 6:32–37: An Invitation to the Youth to Acquire Wisdom

Abstract

The youth aspire towards power, fame and wealth, and in their haste to acquire these, some indulge in wrongful acts, developing false identity to attain status. This attitude endangers their life in the future. The tendency creates educational challenges and thus raises an important question: What is the root of these phenomena and how can they be curbed? Ben Sira cautioned the youth of his era to have patience, to listen, to study, to learn and to be disciplined in order to achieve a fulfilling life. Recently, some members of the Ghanaian parliament consistently expressed regrettable attitudes that were not democratic, not a true sign of committed responsible states-men and women and unworthy of emulation by the youth. This article proposes a rhetorical study of Sir 6:32-37 with a didactic paradigm to enhance good moral formation in building a humane environment through acquisition of wisdom. The study invites the youth to acquire wisdom, which requires discipline, integrity, hard work, perseverance, endurance and discernment that they need to achieve long life in good health and prosperity and eventually become good leaders with good status in society.