Wisdom and works of mercy: Give your gift to all the living, and do not withhold your kindness from the dead. Ben Sira 7:33

The teacher of wisdom Ben Sira dedicated part of his book to expounding some works of mercy toward those in need. Because the spiritual gift of mercy (compassion, kindness, gentleness) is beyond the law of Moses, and brings it to its full fulfillment. The works of mercy are important because they bring man closer to his wise and eternal creator; and with their common sense, they show to man the true path to happiness, blessedness, and the spiritual enlightenment.
In this way, Ben Sira wrote about the works necessary to please God and his wisdom:
"Give your gift to all the living,
and do not withhold your kindness from the dead.
Do not avoid those who weep,
but mourn with those who mourn.
Do not hesitate to visit the sick,
because for such things you will be loved.
In whatever you do, remember your last days,
and you will never sin" Ben Sira 7:33-36.
Without saying it openly, many wisdom teachings from the sapiential books, like Ben Sira, are summaries or syntheses of the most notable actions of their most illustrious characters. Therefore, it would not be surprising that this text, for example, could be a summary of the actions carried out by the character Tobit at the beginning of the book that bears his name.
The Book of Tobit tells us that this character was a man who feared God, and faithful to the law of Moses; and with these words, Tobit made his presentation: "I, Tobit, have walked all the days of my life on paths of fidelity and righteousness. I performed many charitable deeds for my kindred and my people who had been taken captive with me to Nineveh, in the land of the Assyrians" Tobit 1:3.
The Book also relates that Tobit, by his mercy, buried the Israelites who were murdered by Sennacherib, a cruel tyrant, due to which Tobit suffered persecution. The Book of Tobit finally relates that for all these good works Tobit and his family, despite the difficulties, were blessed by the Lord.

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