The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus 32:1 Komentář

Joshua gave the inheritance to all of the children of Judah. He who gave it to Ephraim and to the half-tribe of Manasseh. He gave the inheritance to the glorious Caleb, son of Jephunneh, having sent three men from each tribe to go through the country and describe it in a book and return to show it to them. He himself drew the lots for all and reserved the last place for himself. Why do you think he wanted to be last? Certainly to be the first of all. He did not take this part of himself but received it from the people, who gave the inheritance to the one from whom they had received it. In fact, it is written, “The children of Israel gave the part to Joshua, son of Nun.” “But this happened to them as a sign,” that it might be proposed as a model for us and that we in turn might observe the precept he practiced, which says, “The greater you are, the more humble you will be, and thus you will find grace with the Lord,” and also that which is written, “If they have made you the head, do not exalt yourself but be among them as one of them.”

Therefore let those who preside study without intermission that in proportion as their power is seen to be great externally it be kept down within themselves internally; that it vanquish not their thought; that the heart be not carried away to delight in it; lest the mind become unable to control that which in lust of domination it submits itself to. For, lest the heart of a ruler should be betrayed into elation by delight in personal power, it is rightly said by a certain wise man They have made thee a leader: lift not up thyself, but be among them as one of them. Hence also Peter says, Not as being lords over God's heritage, but being made ensamples to the flock. Hence the Truth in person, provoking us to higher virtuous desert, says, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are greater exercise authority upon them. It shall not be so among you, but whosoever will be greater among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant; even as the Son of Man came not to be ministered to, but to minister. Hence also He indicates what punishments are in store for the servant who has been elated by his assumption of government, saying, But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My Lord delayeth his coming, and shall begin to smite his fellow-servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken, the Lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. For he is rightly numbered among the hypocrites, who under pretence of discipline turns the ministry of government to the purpose of domination.