E.D. Reymond, «Sirach 40,18-27 as ‘T@o=b-Spruch’», Vol. 82 (2001) 84-92

Although the series of comparisons that make up Sirach 40,18-27 are often characterized as ‘better-than’ proverbs or t@o=b-Sprüche, they do not convey a generic idea of degree, but rather express the superiority of items in the specific context of verbs’ semantic fields. This construction emphasizes the tangible benefit of the ‘superior’ elements, a nuance that the more typical t@o=b-Sprüche would not express. In addition, Ben Sira describes each superior item as unambiguously virtuous, implying a connection between righteous behavior and a joyous, satisfying and successful life.

of items in the specific context of these ideas. This, in turn, bolsters the proposal that the min depends in each case on the respective verb.

        In addition to asserting the supremacy of the tertiary element over the preceding items in the context of a single verbal idea, each comparison also carries an implicit moral evaluation; each final element is morally superior to the preceding elements. While it is true, as Bryce has observed, that all the items in this Sirach poem are of some worth, the items at the head of each comparison are of an ambiguous worth, that is, they can be positive or negative, depending on how they are manifested³⁹. In contrast, the tertiary elements can only have a positive manifestation.

        The worth of the terms can be deduced from other passages in Ben Sira. For instance, the value of wealth depends on how it is acquired.

Nw( Ny) M) r#w(h bw+

Wealth is good if it is without guilt (13,24)⁴⁰.

hg#y wb ryxm bhw)w hqny )l Cwrx Pdwr

The one pursuing gold will not be innocent;
and the one loving a reward will be led astray by it (31,5)⁴¹.