Sirach – Chapter 21

Old Testament31 Verses

Chapter Summary

Sirach 21 opens with the words: "My son, hast thou sinned? do so no more: but for thy former sins also pray that they may be forgiven thee." Across its 31 verses, two threads run through the text: wisdom for daily living and sin and divine judgment. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1My son, hast thou sinned? do so no more: but for thy former sins also pray that they may be forgiven thee.

2Flee from sins as from the face of a serpent: for if thou comest near them, they will take hold of thee.

3The teeth thereof are the teeth of a lion, killing the souls of men.

4All iniquity is like a two-edged sword, there is no remedy for the wound thereof.

5Injuries and wrongs will waste riches: and the house that is very rich shall be brought to nothing by pride: so the substance of the proud shall be rooted out.

6The prayer out of the mouth of the poor shall reach the ears of God, and judgment shall come for him speedily.

7He that hateth to be reproved walketh in the trace of a sinner: and he that feareth God will turn to his own heart.

8He that is mighty by a bold tongue is known afar off, but a wise man knoweth to slip by him.

9He that buildeth his house at other men's charges, is as he that gathereth himself stones to build in the winter.

10The congregation of sinners is like tow heaped together, and the end of them is a flame of fire.

11The way of sinners is made plain with stones, and in their end is hell, and darkness, and pains.

12He that keepeth justice shall get the understanding thereof.

13The perfection of the fear of God is wisdom and understanding.

14He that is not wise in good, will not be taught.

15But there is a wisdom that aboundeth in evil: and there is no understanding where there is bitterness.

16The knowledge of a wise man shall abound like a flood, and his counsel continueth like a fountain of life.

17The heart of a fool is like a broken vessel, and no wisdom at all shall it hold.

18A man of sense will praise every wise word he shall hear, and will apply it to himself: the luxurious man hath heard it, and it shall displease him, and he will cast it behind his back.

19The talking of a fool is like a burden in the way: but in the lips of the wise, grace shall be found.

20The mouth of the prudent is sought after in the church, and they will think upon his words in their hearts.

21As a house that is destroyed, so is wisdom to a fool: and the knowledge of the unwise is as words without sense.

22Doctrine to a fool is as fetters on the feet, and like manacles on the right hand.

23A fool lifteth up his voice in laughter: but a wise man will scarce laugh low to himself.

24Learning to the prudent is as an ornament of gold, and like a bracelet upon his right arm.

25The foot of a fool is soon in his neighbour's house: but a man of experience will be abashed at the person of the mighty.

26A fool will peep through the window into the house: but he that is well taught will stand without.

27It is the folly of a man to hearken at the door: and a wise man will be grieved with the disgrace.

28The lips of the unwise will be telling foolish things: but the words of the wise shall be weighed in a balance.

29The heart of fools is in their mouth: and the mouth of wise men is in their heart.

30While the ungodly curseth the devil, he curseth his own soul.

31The talebearer shall defile his own soul, and shall be hated by all: and he that shall abide with him shall be hateful: the silent and wise man shall be honoured.

Important Verses in Sirach 21

My son, hast thou sinned? do so no more: but for thy former sins also pray that they may be forgiven thee.

Sirach 21:1

He that hateth to be reproved walketh in the trace of a sinner: and he that feareth God will turn to his own heart.

Sirach 21:7

The perfection of the fear of God is wisdom and understanding.

Sirach 21:13

While the ungodly curseth the devil, he curseth his own soul.

Sirach 21:30

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 21 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 31 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter begins: "My son, hast thou sinned? do so no more: but for thy former sins also pray that they may be forgiven thee." It concludes: "The talebearer shall defile his own soul, and shall be hated by all: and he that shall abide with him shall be hateful:…" 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

The literal sense presents maxims, observations, or arguments meant to form character and discernment. A pivotal line is verse 1: "My son, hast thou sinned? do so no more: but for thy former sins also pray that they may be forgiven thee." 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 618). 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 21 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.
  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.

Reflection for Today

When the Church proclaims Sirach Chapter 21 at Mass or in the Liturgy of the Hours, she treats this text as the living voice of God.

In the four senses of Scripture—literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical—the Church finds rich meaning in Sirach Chapter 21. At the moral level, repentance and the mercy of God challenges us to examine conscience and amend our lives (CIC 1604).

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

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sirach Chapter 21 about?

Sirach 21 contains 31 verses. It opens with "My son, hast thou sinned? do so no more: but for thy former sins also pray that they may be forgiven thee." and closes with "The talebearer shall defile his own soul, and shall be hated by all: and he that shall abide with him shall be hateful:…". The book as a whole is wisdom instruction (deuterocanonical).

What is a key verse in Sirach 21?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "My son, hast thou sinned? do so no more: but for thy former sins also pray that they may be forgiven thee." 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.

Deepen your understanding with these related articles