Sirach – Chapter 12

Old Testament • 19 Verses

Chapter Summary

Sirach 12 opens with the words: "If thou do good, know to whom thou dost it, and there shall be much thanks for thy good deeds." Across its 19 verses, two threads run through the text: sin and divine judgment and God's mercy and forgiveness. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1If thou do good, know to whom thou dost it, and there shall be much thanks for thy good deeds.

2Do good to the just, and thou shalt find great recompense: and if not of him, assuredly of the Lord.

3For there is no good for him that is always occupied in evil, and that giveth no alms: for the Highest hateth sinners, and hath mercy on the penitent.

4Give to the merciful and uphold not the sinner: God will repay vengeance to the ungodly and to sinners, and keep them against the day of vengeance.

5Give to the good, and receive not a sinner.

6Do good to the humble, and give not to the ungodly: hold back thy bread, and give it not to him, lest thereby he overmaster thee.

7For thou shalt receive twice as much evil for all the good thou shalt have done to him: for the Highest also hateth sinners, and will repay vengeance to the ungodly.

8A friend shall not be known in prosperity, and an enemy shall not be hidden in adversity.

9In the prosperity of a man, his enemies are grieved: and a friend is known in his adversity.

10Never trust thy enemy for as a brass pot his wickedness rusteth:

11Though he humble himself and go crouching, yet take good heed and beware of him.

12Set him not by thee, neither let him sit on thy right hand, lest he turn into thy place, and seek to take thy seat and at the last thou acknowledge my words, and be pricked with my sayings.

13Who will pity an enchanter struck by a serpent, or any that come near wild beasts? so is it with him that keepeth company with a wicked man, and is involved in his sins.

14For an hour he will abide with thee: but if thou begin to decline, he will not endure it.

15An enemy speaketh sweetly with his lips, but in his heart he lieth in wait, to throw thee into a pit.

16An enemy weepeth with his eyes: but if he find an opportunity he will not be satisfied with blood:

17And if evils come upon thee, thou shalt find him there first.

18An enemy hath tears in his eyes, and while he pretendeth to help thee, will undermine thy feet.

19He will shake his head, and clap his hands, and whisper much, and change his countenance.

Important Verses in Sirach 12

“If thou do good, know to whom thou dost it, and there shall be much thanks for thy good deeds.”

Sirach 12:1

“Give to the merciful and uphold not the sinner: God will repay vengeance to the ungodly and to sinners, and keep them against the day of vengeance.”

Sirach 12:4

“For thou shalt receive twice as much evil for all the good thou shalt have done to him: for the Highest also hateth sinners, and will repay vengeance to the ungodly.”

Sirach 12:7

“An enemy speaketh sweetly with his lips, but in his heart he lieth in wait, to throw thee into a pit.”

Sirach 12:15

Historical Context

Sirach belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for students of wisdom seeking to live the Law with practical prudence. Chapter 12 of 51 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a wisdom instruction on how to live before God in ordinary circumstances with 19 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter begins: "If thou do good, know to whom thou dost it, and there shall be much thanks for thy good deeds." The final verse reads: "He will shake his head, and clap his hands, and whisper much, and change his countenance. " In terms of historical background, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) is the longest wisdom book of the Bible, written by a Jerusalem sage who ran a school for young men. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: About 180 BC in Hebrew; Greek translation about 132 BC.

Who Wrote It

Jesus ben Sira of Jerusalem; translated into Greek by his grandson

When It Was Written

About 180 BC in Hebrew; Greek translation about 132 BC

Catholic Commentary

This chapter offers practical instruction on how to live wisely before God in daily life. A pivotal line is verse 1: "If thou do good, know to whom thou dost it, and there shall be much thanks for thy good deeds." The passage repeatedly touches on sin and divine judgment.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of practical wisdom and fear of the Lord. this deuterocanonical book provides guidance for daily life (CIC 1806). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 26).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that All wisdom comes from the Lord. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Sirach 12 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • ✓Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • ✓God's mercy is greater than any sin; He calls us to receive His forgiveness and extend it to others.
  • ✓Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.

Reflection for Today

Sirach Chapter 12, containing 19 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 2772). Here the emphasis falls on lectio divina and meditation on God's Word, which shapes how the Church understands practical wisdom and fear of the Lord.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of lectio divina and meditation on God's Word bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sirach Chapter 12 about?

Sirach 12 contains 19 verses. It opens with "If thou do good, know to whom thou dost it, and there shall be much thanks for thy good deeds." and closes with "He will shake his head, and clap his hands, and whisper much, and change his countenance. ". The book as a whole is wisdom instruction (deuterocanonical).

What is a key verse in Sirach 12?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "If thou do good, know to whom thou dost it, and there shall be much thanks for thy good deeds." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Sirach and when?

Jesus ben Sira of Jerusalem; translated into Greek by his grandson. About 180 BC in Hebrew; Greek translation about 132 BC.

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Act of Contrition🙏Kyrie Eleison🙏Divine Mercy Chaplet🙏The Apostles' Creed

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

Deepen your understanding with these related articles

Catholic Living

Catholic Family Prayer Guide: Building Faith Together

6 min readRead article
Bible & Faith

How Family Life Changes the Faith of the New Generation

7 min readRead article
How to Pray

Daily Prayer for Family Protection from Evil: A Catholic Guide

11 min readRead article
Explore All Articles