The Wisdom of Sirach

A timeless collection of ethical teachings, advice, and proverbs on wisdom, faith, and daily life.

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C1

All Wisdom Comes from God

C2

Trial, Trust, and Piety

C3

Respect for Parents and Humility

C4

Charity, Honesty, and Shame

C5

Against Presumption and Double Talk

C6

Friends and True Friendship

C7

Avoiding Sin and Honoring Relationships

C8

Prudence in Dealing with Others

C9

Warning Against Lust and Envy

C10

Rulers, Pride, and True Glory

C11

Success, Riches, and Discretion

C12

Discerning Associates and Giving

C13

Avoiding the Proud and the Rich

C14

The Joy of a Good Conscience

C15

Wisdom is Available to All

C16

Children and God's Mercy

C17

God's Works and Commandments

C18

God's Mercy and Controlling Passions

C19

Speech, Silence, and Wisdom

C20

On Gifts, Truth, and Cunning

C21

Flight from Sin and the Foolish

C22

The Sluggard and the Unwise

C23

Guarding the Lips and Against Lust

C24

Praise of Wisdom's Nature

C25

Three Things Pleasing to God

C26

A Good and Bad Wife

C27

Sin in Trade and Speaking

C28

Forgiveness and Contention

C29

Lending, Surety, and Hospitality

C30

Raising Children and Health

C31

Riches and Gluttony

C32

Conduct at Table and Counsel

C33

God's Wisdom and Authority

C34

Dreams and Sacrifices

C35

True Worship and Prayer

C36

A Prayer for God's People

C37

Counselors and Self-Control

C38

Physicians, Mourning, and Craftsmen

C39

The Scholar and His Work

C40

The Hardships of Life

C41

Death, Name, and Shame

C42

The Works of God and Nature

C43

Glory of the Sun and the Creator

C44

Praise of the Ancestors

C45

Praise of Moses, Aaron, and Phinehas

C46

Praise of Joshua, Caleb, and Samuel

C47

Praise of Nathan, David, and Solomon

C48

Praise of Elijah and Elisha

C49

Praise of Isaiah and Others

C50

Praise of Simon the High Priest

C51

A Prayer and Song of Thanksgiving

Popular Themes & Verses

Faith, Piety, and Trust in the Lord

  • On preparing for temptation.

    "My son, if you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for testing."

    Sirach 2:1

  • On affliction and endurance.

    "Whatever is brought upon you, take it patiently, and in the sorrow of your humiliation endure."

    Sirach 2:4

  • On true glory and contentment.

    "All glory is of the Lord, and it will be everlasting; but the glory of the wicked will not endure."

    Sirach 10:19

Moral Conduct and Daily Wisdom

  • On honoring parents.

    "Hear me your father, O children, and do thereafter, that you may be safe."

    Sirach 3:1

  • On humility and kindness.

    "Bow down your ear to the poor, and give him a friendly answer with meekness."

    Sirach 4:8

  • On speaking wisely.

    "Be swift to hear, and let your life be sincere; and with patience give answer."

    Sirach 5:11

👫 Social Life and Community

  • On true friendship.

    "A faithful friend is a strong defense: and he that hath found such a one, hath found a treasure."

    Sirach 6:14

  • On avoiding bad company.

    "He that toucheth pitch, shall be defiled with it: and he that hath fellowship with a proud man, shall be like unto him."

    Sirach 13:1

  • On distrusting enemies.

    "Never trust your enemy: for like as iron rusts, so is his wickedness."

    Sirach 12:10