WISDOM OF BEN-SIRAHow does the author of the book justify the goodness of God in the face of the evil present in the world? ANSWER:The theology of Ben-Sira, although not systematic, offers a coherent vision presentation of the sets of beliefs necessary to understand and live the Jewish faith (The Anchor Bible Dictionary, 940). In this regard, an important issue addressed by the author is the presence of God in the face of the presence of evil in the world. In addressing the issue the author exposed his Doctrine on God and from there explains how evil is present and persists in the face of God's goodness. Ben-Sira's doctrine of God affirms the Jewish concept according to which there is only one God. This becomes significant not only because it echoes Jewish faith, but because it opposes the notion of belief in a pluralistic God, which was the dominant notion or belief during the ancient period. This concept is significant for understanding the notion of God versus evil because, by eliminating the plurality of gods, it opens up the tension between the goodness of God and the presence of evil. This tension needs justification since the presence of evil in the world not only poses a contradiction to the goodness of God, but also acts as a counter-affirmation that the one God is omnipotent. Ben-Sira states that there are certain attributes attributed to God alone. These are God is one and the same (42:21). God is eternal (42:21). God is all and in all (43:27). This means that God is both transcendent and immanent in all creation (The Anchor Bible Dictionary, 940). God is the creator (G:1). God is mighty and His power is manifested in creation when He created everything from His words (39:17-1...... middle of paper ...... there are illicit goods! Gifts from the illicit do not win favor of GodThe Most High does not approve the gifts of the wicked, nor forgives their sins for their numerous sacrifices. On the other hand, observing the law is a great oblationAnd whoever observes the commandments sacrifices a sacrifice of peace. In works of charity a flower is offered. of flourAnd when he gives alms he presents the sacrifice of praiseAbstaining from evil pleases GodAnd avoiding injustice is an expiation (35, 1-5)For the author the goodness of God remains despite the reality and the face of evil in world because evil is the result of man's weakness, of man who uses his free will to distance himself from the laws and choose to live in sin. God in all his power shows the utmost respect for man's freedom imposing his will on men but respecting his choice – to be good or to be bad.