Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) — Chapter 24

Wisdom shall praise her own self, and shall be honoured in God, and shall glory in the midst of her people. Wisdom's self-praise is dignified and divine, not vainglorious. Lapide notes the difference: human self-praise springs from vanity; divine Wisdom's self-praise invites all to share in her beauty.

I came out of the mouth of the Most High, the firstborn before all creatures. Wisdom's divine origin: she proceeds from the mouth (Word) of the Most High. Lapide expounds this as a reference primarily to the Word of God—the eternal Son—and secondarily to created wisdom as a participation in Him. He cites John 1:1-3 and Prov. 8 as parallels.

I made in the heavens that light should arise, and covered the earth as a mist. Wisdom claims a role in the creation and governance of the cosmos—light, mist, every nation and people. Lapide treats this as the divine wisdom's all-pervading presence in creation, distinct from but related to the Word through whom all things were made.

He that made me rested in my tabernacle, and He said to me: Let thy dwelling be in Jacob. God commands Wisdom to dwell specifically in Israel—in Sion and Jerusalem. Lapide expounds the special privilege of Israel as the people of wisdom and revelation, pointing forward to the Incarnation of the Word in Israel.

As the vine I have brought forth a pleasant odour; and my flowers are the fruit of honour and riches. Wisdom is compared to cedar, cypress, palm, rose, olive, cinnamon, balm, myrrh, terebinth, and vine. Lapide expounds each comparison at length, drawing both literal and mystical meanings. He interprets the vine especially as a figure of Christ, the true vine (John 15:1).

Come over to me, all ye that desire me, and be filled with my fruits. Wisdom's universal invitation. Lapide connects this to Christ's invitation: \"Come to me, all you who labour\" (Matt. 11:28), treating Wisdom's invitation as a prophetic anticipation of Christ's.

I will instruct in doctrine, and I will not forget them even to a holy age; that I may teach things which pertain to the wisdom of God. Wisdom's pedagogical mission continues through all generations. Lapide treats this as the self-description of the prophetic and apostolic teaching mission, fulfilled in Scripture and Tradition.

I also made doctrine to shine as the morning, and will declare it afar off. Wisdom's teaching is compared to the rising dawn—progressive, luminous, inexhaustible. Lapide applies this to the progressive revelation in Scripture culminating in the fullness of Christ.