Chapter Reflection

This chapter speaks in the hard clarity of a father warning a child not to grow numb in prosperity or careless in speech. It joins together pride, delayed repentance, dishonest tongues, and unjust gain as different shapes of the same inward fracture: a heart that thinks itself secure apart from God. Over and against that false security stands the nearness of the Lord, patient yet not indifferent, mercy that is real yet not to be presumed upon. The repeated concern for steadiness, truthfulness, and quick hearing shows a human person meant for wholeness — a life whose word matches its inner life, and whose freedom is healed by sobriety rather than scattered by self-will.

priderepentancespeechmercysteadfastness

Sirach 5

1Set thy heart upon thy goods; and say not, I have enough for my life.

2Follow not thine own mind and thy strength, to walk in the ways of thy heart:

3And say not, Who shall controul me for my works? for the Lord will surely revenge thy pride.

4Say not, I have sinned, and what harm hath happened unto me? for the Lord is longsuffering, he will in no wise let thee go.

5Concerning propitiation, be not without fear to add sin unto sin:

6And say not His mercy is great; he will be pacified for the multitude of my sins: for mercy and wrath come from him, and his indignation resteth upon sinners.

7Make no tarrying to turn to the Lord, and put not off from day to day: for suddenly shall the wrath of the Lord come forth, and in thy security thou shalt be destroyed, and perish in the day of vengeance.

8Set not thine heart upon goods unjustly gotten, for they shall not profit thee in the day of calamity.

9Winnow not with every wind, and go not into every way: for so doth the sinner that hath a double tongue.

10Be stedfast in thy understanding; and let thy word be the same.

11Be swift to hear; and let thy life be sincere; and with patience give answer.

12If thou hast understanding, answer thy neighbour; if not, lay thy hand upon thy mouth.

13Honour and shame is in talk: and the tongue of man is his fall.

14Be not called a whisperer, and lie not in wait with thy tongue: for a foul shame is upon the thief, and an evil condemnation upon the double tongue.

15Be not ignorant of any thing in a great matter or a small.

Who God is

What kind of Lord is both patient with your sin and not fooled by your excuses?

The condition of man

What does it reveal about you that your heart can be divided, your tongue unreliable, and your sense of danger so easily delayed?