Termin ή ψυχη w Księdze Syracha (1-10)

Abstract

At first, it should be said clearly that Sirach does not answer what "the soul" is. He is both theologian and anthropologist. He describes "the soul" as a reality, which is in relation to God, wisdom and the man. He also describes the relation of God, wisdom and the man to "the soul" This is the way he tells us about the secret reality, which is given only to the man. He teaches us "the soul" can be disgraced when the man does not "fear the Lord", but on the other hand, his heart is full of guile /Sir 1,30/. To avoid such a situation, one ought to serve the Lord. Thanks to this, "the soul" will be prepared for experience /Sir 2,1/. One should also fear the Lord and prepare his heart, because then "the soul" will humble itself before the Lord /Sir 2,17/. The sign of it will be seen as a proper relation between "the soul" and a hungry man. By dint of it, he will not -course a man "in the bitterness of his soul" before the Lord /Sir 4,2-6/. In order to be prepared for the proper relation towards another man, one should open himself for the influence of wisdom, till she "becomes trustful in his soul" /Sir 4,17/. "The soul" can often be seen as a place of meeting between wisdom and the man. If this encounter takes place, then the man, who will listen to wisdom. Will keep away from evil. Thus, he will not be "ashamed in relation to his soul" /Sir 4,20/. He will also pay regard to noone , what will be "the injury of his soul” /Sir 4,22/. If the man rejects wisdom, he lets himself to be seduced by "his soul and his power" and follows the desires of his heart /Sir 5,2/. All this; will lead to tragic consequences for "the soul", which can be swayed like "a buffalo" /Sir 6,2/, till it becomes "the bad soul" /Sir 6,4/. The help is to bring oneself to wisdom with "all one's soul" /Sir 6,26/. Then, "the soul" will do everything /Sir 6,52/. The man will not only laugh at somebody, whose "soul" is embittered /Sir 7,11/, but he will also humiliate his own "soul" /Sir 7,17/. Moreover, he will not hurt a hired man, who throws his "soul" into his work /Sir 7,20/. "The soul" will also know how to dear a wise servant /Sir 7,21/, not to reject a wife /Sir 7,26/ and how to revere the Lord /Sir 7.29/. But one should neither sell his "soul" to a woman /Sir 9,2/, nor give it to harlots /Sir 9,6/. By doing all this, the man should care about the glory for "his soul" /Sir 10,28/, because he will not be justified if he offends against his own "soul" /Sir 10,29/.