Our lives are shaped by our choices. We are given this reminder by Sirach, also known as Yeshua (Jesus) ben Eleazar ben Sira, who was a second-century scribe and wisdom teacher in Jerusalem who authored the Book of Sirach (or Ecclesiasticus) around 180–175 BCE. He offers us profound wisdom in this text and encourages us to choose wisely.
Sirach grounds us in a simple yet sobering truth: God entrusts us with the dignity of choosing freely. Sirach says that we are not coerced into goodness, nor excused from responsibility for our decisions. He uses the powerful image of fire and water, telling us that what we reach for matters; one can burn us, the other refreshes us.
He goes on to say that good choices empower us to make life-giving decisions. Our
choices should always be rooted in reverence for God, ourselves and others. By choosing well, we receive the fullness of life that God intends. This ancient wisdom remains timeless: the power to choose well lies within us, and with it comes the responsibility to build a life of meaning and blessing.
Think about it: people can take away our possessions, strip us of our good name and integrity and even take away our freedom. The one
thing that nobody can take away from us is the power we have to choose—no matter what the circumstances.
How do we apply this in practice? It means daily prioritising decisions that align with our God-given dignity and integrity. For example, in relationships, choosing forgiveness over resentment can heal bonds and promote personal growth. In professional settings, choosing ethical practices, even when others take shortcuts or
cheat, builds lasting trust and success. Consider a student facing charges of plagiarism: selecting integrity honours the commandment to avoid deceit, leading to genuine achievement rather than hollow gains. Similarly, in environmental choices, choosing sustainable habits over convenience reflects stewardship and is therefore life-affirming.
What choices might you have to make today, or in the coming days, that will shape your
life or that of someone else?
