1
Blessed is the man who has not slipped with his mouth, and doesn’t suffer from sorrow for sins.
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ExplanationCommentary
Verse 1. Mouth. He is perfect. James 3:2.
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OLD TESTAMENT
All chapters Sirach 14
The Holy Bible · EnglishOpen an explanation beneath verses with notes. Your notes and highlights stay on this device.
2
Blessed is he whose soul does not condemn him, and who has not given up hope.
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3
Riches are not appropriate for a stingy person. What would a miser do with money?
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ExplanationCommentary
Verse 3. Envious. Who will neither use his wealth himself, nor bestow it. The true use of riches is to take a sufficiency, and to relieve the poor. Calmet.
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4
He who gathers by denying himself gathers for others. Others will revel in his goods.
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ExplanationCommentary
Verse 4. Gathereth. Greek “taketh from his,” and so forth Bible.—Such misers are continually derided, but will never be cured. Eccle. 2:18 and 6:2. An old proverb says, “The miser doth nothing right but when he dies.” Calmet.
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5
If one is mean to himself, to whom will he be good? He won’t enjoy his possessions.
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6
There is none more evil than he who is grudging to himself. This is a punishment for his wickedness.
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ExplanationCommentary
Verse 6. Envieth. By refusing himself the necessaries of life, he rejects God’s gifts, and scandalizes his neighbour. Worthington.
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7
Even if he does good, he does it in forgetfulness. In the end, he reveals his wickedness.
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ExplanationCommentary
Verse 7. Wickedness. Persisting covetous till death, as is commonly the case.
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8
A miser is evil. He turns away and disregards souls.
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9
A covetous man’s eye is not satisfied with his portion. Wicked injustice dries up his soul.
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10
A miser begrudges bread, and it is lacking at his table.
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11
My son, according to what you have, treat yourself well, and bring worthy offerings to the Lord.
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ExplanationCommentary
Verse 11. Offerings. Make a proper use of what God has bestowed. Calmet.
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12
Remember that death will not wait, and that the covenant of Hades hasn’t been shown to you.
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ExplanationCommentary
Verse 12. The covenant of hell. The decree by which all are to go down to the regions of death, ( Challoner.) which hell frequently denotes. Bible.—Under the old law, all went down into some part of hell. Worthington.—Hath been. Greek “hath not,” and so forth We know not when we shall die, though all must taste of death, ( Bible.) and therefore we must make haste to do good. Menochius.—Shall, or “is, he shall die the death,” (Genesis 2:17) as the Greek has this sentence. verse 18. Bible.
Certo veniunt ordine Parcæ,
Nulli jusso cessare licet. Sen. Hercul.
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13
Do good to your friends before you die. According to your ability, reach out and give to them.
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14
Don’t deprive yourself of a good day. Don’t let your share of a desired good pass you by.
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15
Won’t you leave your labors to another, and your toils be divided by lot?
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ExplanationCommentary
Verse 15. Sorrows. Greek “toils,” or what thou hast amassed with much care. Bible.
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16
Give, take, and treat yourself well, because there is no seeking of luxury in Hades.
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ExplanationCommentary
Verse 16. Take. Alms-deeds will ensure the remission of sins. This usury is lawful. We must also keep up a good society with our friends. Calmet.—Justify. Greek “sanctify thy soul (17) for.” Grabe. Bible.—Some read “love,” or divert thy soul by lawful amusements. The argument is addressed to Jews and Gentiles. Calmet.
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17
All flesh grows old like a garment, for the covenant from the beginning is, “You must die!”
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18
Like the leaves flourishing on a thick tree, some it sheds, and some grow, so also are the generations of flesh and blood: one comes to an end and another is born.
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ExplanationCommentary
Verse 18. Fade. Greek “grow old like a garment. For the covenant from the beginning is, he shall die the death. Like a leaf flourishing on a bushy tree.” Bible.—Homer has the same thought, Il. vi.
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19
Every work rots and falls away, and its builder will depart with it.
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20
Blessed is the man who meditates on wisdom, and who reasons by his understanding.
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ExplanationCommentary
Verse 20. End. The fruits of the Spirit are alone immortal. verse 21. Galatians 6:8.
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21
He who considers her ways in his heart will also have knowledge of her secrets.
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22
Go after her like a hunter, and lie in wait in her paths.
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23
He who peers in at her windows will also listen at her doors.
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24
He who lodges close to her house will also fasten a nail in her walls.
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25
He will pitch his tent near at hand to her, and will lodge in a lodging where good things are.
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26
He will set his children under her shelter, and will rest under her branches.
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27
By her he will be covered from heat, and will lodge in her glory.
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ExplanationCommentary
Verse 27. Glory. As under the miraculous pillar. Exodus 24:17. He who shall abide with wisdom shall have nothing to fear. Calmet.
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