The article is devoted to the analysis of the Greek text of Sir 44:22-23, but it also takes into account the Hebrew version of the praise of Isaac and Jacob. The main aim of the article is to read Sirach’s depiction of these two patriarchs in his Praise of the Fathers (Sir 44:1 – 50:24) and the role and significance that he attributes to them in Israel’s history. The analysis conducted shows that the Jerusalem sage based his presentation of Isaac and Jacob exclusively on the Book of Genesis, not referring to any theological traditions connected with the patriarchs that were known during the Second Temple period. The principal role played by the two patriarchs in the history of the chosen nation is passing on to the subsequent generation the covenant that God made with Abraham and the promises related to it (Isaac’s substantial passivity in this role has to be pointed out). It is this motif that is emphasized in Sir 44:22-23, as a result of which other important events from the patriarchs’ lives are completely overlooked, including the justification of Jacob’s stealing of Isaac’s blessing for his firstborn son.

Verb agapaō (to love) occurs only 23 times in the Book of Ben Sira (the verb fileō, instead, does not occur even once!). In the instruction of Wisdom in Sir 4:11-19 it appears as many as four times. It does not seem to be accidental. The analysis of the text carried out in the present article shows that Wisdom functions as a mediator between God and humans. It is Wisdom that leads human being to God, and it is through her mediation that humans receive the gifts that they deserve on the basis of their attitude toward Wisdom and toward the Lord.The first part of the examined passage (vv. 12-16; verse 11 constitutes an introduction), shows a refined theological and poetic structure. The verses 12-14 constitute the first section that focuses on the love of Wisdom and God. The second section (vv. 14a-16) focuses on one’s dedication to Wisdom and, through her mediation, to God. The focal point of the analyzed text can be found in v. 14b: “the Lord loves those who love her”. In v. 17 we read about the test, to which Wisdom put her disciples in order to ascertain their faithfulness and dedication. The last two verses reveal the results of this trial: first positives and then negatives. Wisdom in Sir 4:11-19 appears to be a reliable guide on the way to God. It is Wisdom that introduces her disciples into the close relationship with God. She is a Divine Educator, bringing up human beings in order that they could fully meet God and remain in God’s love.

The article presents the Book of Proverb’s teachings concerning work and laziness. The analysis is based on the pericope of Prov. 6:6-11 which focuses on the juxtaposition of human sloth and animals’ industriousness. The text shows human work in its extremes and expresses the author’s most significant ideas concerning the aspect analyzed here. The article begins with the synthesis of what the didactic books of the Old Testament teach about work, with particular emphasis on the Book of Proverbs. The article then offers an exegetical analysis of the selected pericope, including the Greek text of Prov. 6:8a-c, where the book’s translator mentions another model of diligence alongside the ant, namely the bee. Prov. 26:13-16 is also referred to here, for the text plays a significant role in completing the picture of lazy man.

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Apozycja tytułów chrystologicznych i imienia "Jezus" The apposition of Christological titles and the name "Jesus" Streszczenie. Artykuł zwraca uwagę na poprawne rozumienie tytułów chrystologicznych, które używane są w apozycji do imienia 'Jezus' z punktu widzenia składni języka greckiego i teologii Nowego Testamentu. Najpierw autor przedstawił i omówił zjawisko apozycji w języku greckim. Następnie, na tej podstawie, wyjaśnił w jaki sposób poprawnie powinniśmy rozumieć i interpretować wybrane tytuły chrystologiczne (Chrystus, Pan, Syn Boży i Zbawiciel), które znajdują się w apozycji do imienia 'Jezus'. Przeprowadzona w artykule analiza wykazała, że apozycja była podstawowym i najprostszym elementem chrystologii pierwotnego Kościoła. Wydaje się ponadto, że autorzy Nowego Testamentu wprowadzili do języka greckiego apozycje złożone (np. Zbawca, Pan nasz, Jezus, Chrystus; por. Flp 3,20).