Sirach 10:27-31. It is better to work hard and have abundance than to boast even while lacking bread. Work and live in humility, only thinking of yourself with the worth that your honor truly deserves. No one will justify a man who sins against himself or dishonors his own life. A poor man with knowledge is more honored than a rich man is honored for his wealth. If the rich man becomes poor, how much more the dishonor for him?

This seemed a bit disjointed to me and I had to think about it a bit. It cautions humility, but also says to ascribe to yourself the honor you are due. I think it is warning against several dangers, including false humility, but also, honor, or self-worth based only on wealth. Neither is good.

As someone who has never really had a lot of money (but certainly enough t get by - I am by no means complaining!), I am focusing more on the false humility part. We have to know our own worth. I have, in the past, valued myself based on the basis of how much money I was making. I felt I was not contributing to the family as I should. But I have done a lot for the family in the times that I was not working, and it was good. I have many talents that I brought to the family and I use them to enrich us all.

The humility of not having a lot of money made me a better person. It glorified me! So it is wrong of me to judge myself only on the basis of the amount of money I am bringing in, I have to look at everything I am contributing to my family and to society and all of my intentions.