Sirach – Chapter 20

Old Testament33 Verses

Chapter Summary

Sirach 20 opens with the words: "How much better is it to reprove, than to be angry, and not to hinder him that confesseth in prayer." Across its 33 verses, two threads run through the text: wisdom for daily living and repentance and conversion. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1How much better is it to reprove, than to be angry, and not to hinder him that confesseth in prayer.

2The lust of an eunuch shall deflour a young maiden:

3So is he that by violence executeth of the unwise.

4How good is it, when thou art reproved, to shew repentance! for so thou shalt escape wilful sin.

5There is one that holdeth his peace, that is found wise: and there is another that is hateful, that is bold in speech.

6There is one that holdeth his peace, because he knoweth not what to say: and there is another that holdeth his peace, knowing the proper time.

7A wise man will hold his peace till he see opportunity: but a babbler, and a fool, will regard no time.

8He that useth many words shall hurt his own soul: and he that taketh authority to himself unjustly shall be hated.

9There is success in evil things to a man without discipline, and there is a finding that turneth to loss.

10There is a gift that is not profitable: and there is a gift, the recompense of which is double.

11There is an abasement because of glory: and there is one that shall lift up his head from a low estate.

12There is that buyeth much for a small price, and restoreth the same sevenfold.

13A man wise in words shall make himself beloved: but the graces of fools shall be poured out.

14The gift of the fool shall do thee no good: for his eyes are sevenfold.

15He will give a few things, and upbraid much: and the opening of his mouth is the kindling of a fire.

16To day a man lendeth, and to morrow he asketh it again: such a man as this is hateful.

17A fool shall have no friend, and there shall be no thanks for his good deeds.

18For they that eat his bread, are of a false tongue. How often, and how many will laugh him to scorn!

19For he doth not distribute with right understanding that which was to be had: in like manner also that which was not to be had.

20The slipping of a false tongue is as one that falleth on the pavement: so the fall of the wicked shall come speedily.

21A man without grace is as a vain fable, it shall be continually in the mouth of the unwise.

22A parable coming out of a fool's mouth shall be rejected: for he doth not speak it in due season.

23There is that is hindered from sinning through want, and in his rest he shall be pricked.

24There is that will destroy his own soul through shamefacedness, and by occasion of an unwise person he will destroy it: and by respect of person he will destroy himself.

25There is that for bashfulness promiseth to his friend, and maketh him his enemy for nothing.

26A lie is a foul blot in a man, and yet it will be continually in the mouth of men without discipline.

27A thief is better than a man that is always lying: but both of them shall inherit destruction.

28The manners of lying men are without honour: and their confusion is with them without ceasing.

29A wise man shall advance himself with his words, and a prudent man shall please the great ones.

30He that tilleth his land shall make a high heap of corn: and he that worketh justice shall be exalted: and he that pleaseth great men shall escape iniquity.

31Presents and gifts blind the eyes of judges, and make them dumb in the mouth, so that they cannot correct.

32O Wisdom that is hid, and treasure that is not seen: what profit is there in them both?

33Better is he that hideth his folly, than the man that hideth his wisdom.

Important Verses in Sirach 20

How much better is it to reprove, than to be angry, and not to hinder him that confesseth in prayer.

Sirach 20:1

A man wise in words shall make himself beloved: but the graces of fools shall be poured out.

Sirach 20:13

A man without grace is as a vain fable, it shall be continually in the mouth of the unwise.

Sirach 20:21

Better is he that hideth his folly, than the man that hideth his wisdom.

Sirach 20:33

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Sirach was written with students of wisdom seeking to live the Law with practical prudence in view. Chapter 20 of 51 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a wisdom instruction on how to live before God in ordinary circumstances with 33 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. It opens with the line: "How much better is it to reprove, than to be angry, and not to hinder him that confesseth in prayer." It concludes: "Better is he that hideth his folly, than the man that hideth his wisdom. " 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. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: 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

The literal sense presents maxims, observations, or arguments meant to form character and discernment. A pivotal line is verse 1: "How much better is it to reprove, than to be angry, and not to hinder him that confesseth in prayer." The passage repeatedly touches on wisdom for daily living.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 2772). Here, this deuterocanonical book provides guidance for daily life (CIC 1806). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize wisdom for daily living as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

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 20 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is a gift of the Holy Spirit.
  • True conversion means turning away from sin and returning to God with our whole heart.
  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.

Reflection for Today

Sirach Chapter 20 belongs to the Old Testament and forms part of the Catholic canon proclaimed in the liturgy of the Word.

Through typology, the Church often reads Old Testament passages as preparing for Christ, while New Testament passages reveal Him explicitly. this deuterocanonical book provides guidance for daily life (CIC 1806). Here the believer is invited to ponder poverty of spirit and detachment.

Let Sirach Chapter 20 deepen your love for the Eucharist, where the Word made flesh continues to feed His people. The same Christ who speaks in Scripture offers Himself sacramentally on the altar.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sirach Chapter 20 about?

Sirach 20 contains 33 verses. It opens with "How much better is it to reprove, than to be angry, and not to hinder him that confesseth in prayer." and closes with "Better is he that hideth his folly, than the man that hideth his wisdom. ". The book as a whole is wisdom instruction (deuterocanonical).

What is a key verse in Sirach 20?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "How much better is it to reprove, than to be angry, and not to hinder him that confesseth in prayer." 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.

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