Is the Apocrypha inspired?

[Aquila]

I've been reading Ecclesiasticus. I'm finding it very interesting. One part that intrigued me is from Ecclesiasticus 38...

Ecclesiasticus 38:1-15
1 Honour the doctor for his services, for the Lord created him. 2 His skill comes from the Most High, and he is rewarded by kings. 3 The doctor's knowledge gives him high standing and wins him the admiration of the great. 4 The Lord has created medicines from the earth, and a sensible man will not disparage them. 5 Was it not a tree that sweetened water and so disclosed its properties? 6 The Lord has imparted knowledge to men, that by their use of his marvels he may win praise; 7 by using them the doctor relieves pain 8 and from them the pharmacist makes up his mixture. There is no end to the works of the Lord, who spreads health over the whole world. 9 My son, if you have an illness, do not neglect it, but pray to the Lord, and he will heal you. 10 Renounce your faults, amend your ways, and cleanse your heart from all sin. 11 Bring a savoury offering and bring flour for a token and pour oil on the sacrifice; be as generous as you can. 12 Then call in the doctor, for the Lord created him; do not let him leave you, for you need him. 13 There may come a time when your recovery is in their hands; 14 then they too will pray to the Lord to give them success in relieving pain and finding a cure to save their patient's life. 15 When a man has sinned against his Maker, let him put himself in the doctor's hands.

From my readings, Ecclesiasticus was revered by some in the early church, though it wasn't admitted into the Protestant canon. Is this the early church's view of doctors and medicine? According to this, those who benefit from doctors and/or natural medications should give all praise to God for it is God who has created medicines from the earth and given doctors knowledge, that by the use of God's marvels, God might win praise.

Thoughts?

[Evang.Benincasa]

Sirach 38:15 May those who sin against their creator fall into the hands of a doctor.

Aquila what does this verse mean?

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

Sirach 38:15 May those who sin against their creator fall into the hands of a doctor.

Aquila what does this verse mean?

I'd have to research it, but it appears to imply that at least in some cases, sickness is the result of sin. For those, they should seek a doctor for their physically malady. The doctor seems to also be in a position of reverence and respect. Possibly, even ministry. Not too unlike the apothecary, who made perfumes, balms, insense, and tinctures of herbal medications.

Symbolically, "the doctor" might represent Christ, the great Physician.

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by Aquila

I'd have to research it, but it appears to imply that at least in some cases, sickness is the result of sin. For those, they should seek a doctor for their physically malady. The doctor seems to also be in a position of reverence and respect. Possibly, even ministry. Not too unlike the apothecary, who made perfumes, balms, insense, and tinctures of herbal medications.

Symbolically, "the doctor" might represent Christ, the great Physician.

The scripture means exactly what it says. He that sinneth in the sight of his Maker, shall fall into the hands of the physician. Proverbs 31:6 speaks of giving strong drink (mixed wines, or strong grain alcohol) to those who are dying, Hence the reason we are given Ephesians 5:18, which tells us to be filled with the Holy Ghost and not with wine. Jesus states that those who are well need not a doctor, but only sinners needed doctors. So, Jesus Ben Sirach isn't actually advocating ancient skull drillers, leechers, and herbalists. But just showing who needs them and who doesn't. Just like when Jesus loosely quotes it to the Pharisees in Mark 2:17.

[Aquila]

My original question was:

Is this the early church's view of doctors and medicine?

According to this, those who benefit from doctors and/or natural medications should give all praise to God, for it is God who has created medicines "from the earth" and given doctors knowledge, that by the use of God's marvels, God might win praise.

I believe this is a far more balanced, healthy, and Creator centered perspective than the hostility, fear, and suspensions often associated with doctors and natural medicines today.

In the Bible, we don't see skull drillers praised. We see healers, balms, ointments, and natural medications mentioned. Notice it is in reference to doctors to whom God has given knowledge, and medicine that the text specifically states God created from the earth, that God also deserves praise.

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by Aquila

My original question was:

Is this the early church's view of doctors and medicine?

According to this, those who benefit from doctors and/or natural medications should give all praise to God, for it is God who has created medicines "from the earth" and given doctors knowledge, that by the use of God's marvels, God might win praise.

I believe this is a far more balanced, healthy, and Creator centered perspective than the hostility, fear, and suspensions often associated with doctors and natural medicines today.

In the Bible, we don't see skull drillers praised. We see healers, balms, ointments, and natural medications mentioned. Notice it is in reference to doctors to whom God has given knowledge, and medicine that the text specifically states God created from the earth, that God also deserves praise.

You can't stop trying to advocate Marijuana?

It isn't medicinal, it was used to religious ceremonies like mushrooms.
You don't have skull drillers? Because that is what they did, to relieve pressure on the brain. Doctors still do it today. Anyway, the Bible doesn't have smoking ganja to heal the sick. Hey, Chris, how many seizures were reported at Woodstock festival in 1969?

[JoeBandy]

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

You can't stop trying to advocate Marijuana?

It isn't medicinal, it was used to religious ceremonies like mushrooms.
You don't have skull drillers? Because that is what they did, to relieve pressure on the brain. Doctors still do it today. Anyway, the Bible doesn't have smoking ganja to heal the sick. Hey, Chris, how many seizures were reported at Woodstock festival in 1969?

Who is advocating marijuana??