Sirach 7 Sirach 7:1-36 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
7 Do no evil, and evil will never overtake you.
2 Stay away from wrong, and it will turn away from you.
3 Do[a] not sow in the furrows of injustice,
and you will not reap a sevenfold crop.
4 Do not seek from the Lord high office
or the seat of honor from the king.
5 Do not assert your righteousness before the Lord
or display your wisdom before the king.
6 Do not seek to become a judge,
or you may be unable to root out injustice;
perhaps you will fear the powerful
and so mar your integrity.
7 Commit no offense against the public,
and do not disgrace yourself among the people.
8 Do not commit a sin twice;
even for one you will not go unpunished.
9 Do not say, “He will consider the great number of my gifts,
and when I make an offering to the Most High God, he will accept it.”
10 Do not grow weary when you pray;
do not neglect to give alms.
11 Do not ridicule a person who is embittered in spirit,
for there is one who humbles and exalts.
12 Do not devise[b] a lie against your brother
or do the same to a friend.
13 Refuse to utter any lie,
for it is a habit that results in no good.
14 Do not babble in the company of the elders,
and do not repeat yourself when you pray.
15 Do not hate hard labor
or farm work, which was created by the Most High.
16 Do not enroll in the ranks of sinners;
remember that retribution will not delay.
17 Humble yourself to the utmost,
for the punishment of the ungodly is fire and worms.[c]
Relations with Others
18 Do not exchange a friend for money
or a real brother for the gold of Ophir.
19 Do not dismiss[d] a wise and good wife,
for her charm is worth more than gold.
20 Do not abuse slaves who work faithfully
or hired laborers who give of themselves.
21 Let your soul love intelligent slaves;[e]
do not withhold from them their freedom.
22 Do you have cattle? Look after them;
if they are profitable to you, keep them.
23 Do you have children? Discipline them,
and make them obedient[f] from their youth.
24 Do you have daughters? Be concerned for their chastity,[g]
and do not show yourself too indulgent with them.[h]
25 Give a daughter in marriage, and you complete a great task,
but give her to a sensible man.
26 Do you have a wife who pleases you?[i] Do not divorce her,
but do not trust yourself to one whom you detest.
27 With all your heart honor your father,
and do not forget the birth pangs of your mother.
28 Remember that it was of your parents[j] you were born;
how will you repay what they have given to you?
29 With all your soul fear the Lord
and revere his priests.
30 With all your might love your Maker,
and do not neglect his ministers.
31 Fear the Lord and honor the priest,
and give him his portion, as you have been commanded:
the first fruits, the purification offering, the gift of the shoulders,
the sacrifice of sanctification, and the first fruits of the holy things.
32 Stretch out your hand to the poor,
so that your blessing may be complete.
33 Give graciously to all the living;
do not withhold kindness even from the dead.
34 Do not lag behind those who weep,
but mourn with those who mourn.
35 Do not hesitate to visit the sick,
because for such deeds you will be loved.
36 In all you do, remember the end of your life,
and then you will never sin.
The book of Sirach offers timeless wisdom for daily living, rooted in the fear of the Lord and the pursuit of righteousness. This passage from Sirach 7 guides us to live a life of virtue, humility, and service to others. Each verse holds a gem of practical advice that leads us closer to God and helps us navigate the complexities of human relationships.
1. Avoid Evil and Injustice
The passage begins with a clear message: “Do no evil, and evil will never overtake you. Stay away from wrong, and it will turn away from you” (v. 1-2). These words remind us that when we walk in righteousness, we shield ourselves from the destructive consequences of sin. This advice encourages us to be mindful of our actions and to seek justice in everything we do, knowing that living uprightly brings peace to our souls.
2. Humility Before God and Others
We are cautioned against seeking power and prestige: “Do not seek from the Lord high office or the seat of honor from the king” (v. 4). Humility is at the heart of this teaching. Whether in our spiritual lives or in our relationships, we must not boast or assert our righteousness. Jesus Himself showed us the example of humility when He washed the feet of His disciples. Like Christ, we are called to serve, not to be served, trusting that God will exalt us in His time.
3. Patience in Prayer and Charity
“Do not grow weary when you pray; do not neglect to give alms” (v. 10). Prayer and charity are inseparable in the Christian life. As women of faith, we often bear many responsibilities, but this verse reminds us to remain steadfast in prayer, even when life feels overwhelming. Equally important is our call to generosity. Our prayer life should inspire acts of love, especially toward the poor, the sick, and those in need.
4. Cultivate Respectful Relationships
The passage speaks to the importance of fostering love and respect in our relationships. “Do not dismiss a wise and good wife, for her charm is worth more than gold” (v. 19). Whether in marriage, friendship, or family life, we are called to cherish those who bring wisdom, faith, and love into our lives. Likewise, we are encouraged to show honor to our parents and revere the sacred role of priests and ministers (v. 27, 29).
5. Mindful of Our Final End
The final verse offers profound wisdom: “In all you do, remember the end of your life, and then you will never sin” (v. 36). This is a call to live with an eternal perspective. When we keep our eyes fixed on God and the reality of our mortality, we are more likely to choose righteousness over sin. This mindset helps us avoid the temptations of the world and to live each day as a gift, seeking holiness in every thought, word, and action.
Reflection:
Take a moment today to reflect on the practical wisdom offered in Sirach 7. How can you better integrate humility, charity, and patience into your daily life? How can this passage help you in your relationships with others and with God? Remember that living a life of faith means more than just avoiding sin—it means actively pursuing virtue and love.
Let us pray:
Lord, grant me the grace to live in humility, to walk in righteousness, and to trust You in all things. May I love and serve others as Christ did, and never grow weary in prayer and charity. Help me remember the end of my life, so that I may always choose to walk the path of holiness. Amen.
This devotional challenges us to embrace a life of virtue, humility, and charity, all while keeping our eyes fixed on the eternal reward that God promises to those who follow Him.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Holy Beautiful Life
Featured Image by GWoelders from Pixabay
