“The spirit of those
Who fear the Lord
Will live.
Their hope is in him
Who saves them.
Those who fear the Lord
Will not be timid.
They will not play the coward.
He is their hope.
Happy is the soul
That fears the Lord!
To whom does he look?
Who is his support?
The eyes of the Lord
Are on those who love him.
The Lord is a mighty shield.
The Lord is a strong support.
The Lord is a shelter
From the scorching wind.
The Lord is a shade
From the noonday sun.
The Lord is a guard
Against stumbling.
The Lord is a help
Against falling.
He lifts up the soul.
He makes the eyes sparkle.
He gives health.
He gives life.
He gives blessings.”
Sirach emphasizes the importance of fearing God with its consequences. Those who fear the Lord will live. They have hope that the Lord will save them. They will not be cowards or timid. The reason for their hope is that the Lord supports them. He loves them since he is like a shield. He provides shelter for them against the hot winds and shade against the hot midday sun. The Lord keeps them from stumbling or falling. He lifts up their souls as he makes their eyes sparkle. He gives them health, life and blessings. A lot of good things happen when you fear the Lord.
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 