> [[sirach-04|← Previous]] | [[sirach-00|TOC]] | [[sirach-06|Next →]] --- # Sirach, Chapter 5 ## Chapter 5 ### Against Presumption 1 Do not rely on your wealth, ^sirach-05-1 or say, “I have the power.” 2 Do not rely on your strength ^sirach-05-2 in following the desires of your heart. 3 Do not say, “Who can prevail against me?” ^sirach-05-3 for the LORD will exact punishment. 4 Do not say, “I have sinned, yet what has happened to me?” ^sirach-05-4 for the LORD is slow to anger! 5 Do not be so confident of forgiveness ^sirach-05-5 that you add sin upon sin. 6 Do not say, “His mercy is great; ^sirach-05-6 my many sins he will forgive.” For mercy and anger alike are with him; his wrath comes to rest on the wicked. 7 Do not delay turning back to the LORD, ^sirach-05-7 do not put it off day after day. For suddenly his wrath will come forth; at the time of vengeance, you will perish. 8 Do not rely on deceitful wealth, ^sirach-05-8 for it will be no help on the day of wrath. ### Use and Abuse of the Tongue 9 Do not winnow in every wind, ^sirach-05-9 nor walk in every path. 10 Be steadfast regarding your knowledge, ^sirach-05-10 and let your speech be consistent. 11 Be swift to hear, ^sirach-05-11 but slow to answer. 12 If you can, answer your neighbor; ^sirach-05-12 if not, place your hand over your mouth! 13 Honor and dishonor through speaking! ^sirach-05-13 The tongue can be your downfall. 14 Do not be called double-tongued; ^sirach-05-14 and with your tongue do not slander a neighbor. For shame has been created for the thief, and sore disgrace for the double-tongued. 15 In little or in much, do not act corruptly; ^sirach-05-15 \* (5:1] – [8) The vices of the rich are pride and independence (vv. [1] – [2]), presumption (v. [3]), false security (vv. [4] – [6]), and impenitence (v. [7]), which cannot escape the divine wrath (vv. [7] – [8]). Cf. [Prv 18:23]; [19:1]; [28:6]. \* (5:9] – [6:1) Proper use of the tongue requires constancy in speech (v. [10]), prudence (vv. [11] – [12]), good judgment (v. [13]), charity ([5:15]; [6:1]); detraction, calumny (v. [14]), and double-talk bring shame and disgrace ([5:14]; [6:1]). \* (5:9) The metaphors indicate careless behavior. a. (5:1) [[sirach-11|Sir 11]]:24; [Prv 27:1]; ([[luke-12|Lk 12]]:19]; [1 Tm 6:17]. b. (5:8) [Prv 10:2]; [11:4], [28]; [Ps 52:9]. c. (5:11) [Prv 29:20]; [Eccl 5:1]; [Jas 1:19]. --- _New American Bible, revised edition_ (2010, 1991, 1986, 1970) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. > [[sirach-04|← Previous]] | [[sirach-00|TOC]] | [[sirach-06|Next →]]