The Power of Discretion: Understanding Sirach 19 and Avoiding Gossip
✨ Executive Summary: Wisdom in Words and Actions ✨
Sirach 19, a profound chapter on discretion and wise speech, calls us to a higher standard of conduct. It explores the dangers of gossip, the importance of discerning truth, and the necessity of considering our words before they escape our lips. The chapter emphasizes the destructive power of unchecked speech and highlights the virtues of patience, understanding, and forgiveness. It paints a vivid picture of the person who controls their tongue as a beacon of wisdom, a trustworthy friend, and a servant pleasing to God. Ultimately, Sirach 19 teaches that true wisdom lies not in proclaiming every thought, but in carefully weighing our words and actions, seeking understanding, and extending grace to others. This wisdom is critical for navigating the complexities of modern life and nurturing healthy relationships.
The Book of Sirach, also known as Ecclesiasticus, offers timeless wisdom applicable to every age. Today, we delve into Sirach 19 to uncover the profound insights it provides on the value of discretion, particularly in avoiding gossip and seeking understanding. This wisdom, though ancient, remains remarkably relevant to our modern lives. Let’s explore how we can apply these principles in a digital age saturated with information and opportunities for both connection and miscommunication, and how proper usage of discretion will give one the upper hand in website and domain matters such as those offered by website builder services.
📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary: Dissecting Wisdom 📜
Verse 1: He that despiseth small things shall fall by little and little.
Original (Greek): ὁ καταφρονῶν μικρῶν ἐκ μικροῦ πεσεῖται.
KJV: He that contemneth small things shall fall by little and little.
NKJV: He who despises small things will fail little by little.
This verse emphasizes the importance of diligence and attentiveness in all aspects of life. It warns against neglecting seemingly insignificant matters, as they can gradually accumulate and lead to significant downfall. In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, this principle resonates with the understanding of spiritual growth as a process of continuous effort and attention to detail. We are called to be vigilant in addressing even the smallest temptations and shortcomings, lest they become entrenched habits. St. Antony the Great taught the same, saying, “Ἀεὶ προσέχετε ἑαυτοῖς, ἵνα μὴ σατανᾶς εὕρῃ τόπον ἐπιβῆναι ὑμῖν” (Always pay attention to yourselves, lest Satan find a place to encroach upon you) (Apophthegmata Patrum, Antony 1).
Spiritual Application: Avoid complacency in your spiritual life. Address small sins promptly, and cultivate consistent habits of prayer and repentance. Little acts of kindness, consistently practiced, can have a profound impact on those around you. Ignoring minor issues in relationships can lead to major rifts. This same principle applies to business and personal finance – small oversights can snowball into massive issues later. Diligence in all things honors God.
Verses 2-3: Wine and women will make men of understanding to fall away: and he that cleaveth to harlots will be impudent. Moths and worms consume wood; so doth sorrow consume the heart of a man.
Original (Greek): οἶνος καὶ γυναῖκες ἀποστήσουσιν συνετούς, καὶ ὁ κολλώμενος πόρναις ἀναιδὴς ἔσται. σῆτες καὶ σκώληκες καταφάγονται ξύλον, οὕτως λύπη καταναλίσκει καρδίαν ἀνδρός.
KJV: Wine and women will make men of understanding to fall away: and he that cleaveth to harlots will be impudent. Moths and worms consume wood; so doth sorrow consume the heart of a man.
NKJV: Wine and women will make men of understanding fall away, and he who cleaves to harlots becomes reckless. Moths and worms consume wood; so sorrow consumes the heart of a man.
These verses highlight the dangers of uncontrolled desires and their destructive impact on both wisdom and the soul. “Wine and women” represent temptations that can lead even the most discerning individuals astray. The image of moths and worms consuming wood powerfully illustrates how sorrow and unchecked passions can erode a person’s inner strength and joy. The Coptic Church emphasizes the importance of temperance and self-control, teaching that true freedom lies in mastering our desires, not being enslaved by them. St. Macarius the Great said, “Κρατήσαι δεῖ τῆς γλώσσης σου, καὶ τῆς γαστρός σου, καὶ τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν σου” (You must control your tongue, your stomach, and your eyes) (Homily 14, Macarius the Great).
Spiritual Application: Be mindful of your vulnerabilities and avoid situations that could lead to temptation. Cultivate self-discipline and seek God’s grace to overcome destructive habits. Deal with sorrow and grief in a healthy way, seeking support from the Church community and focusing on God’s promises of healing and restoration. Be aware of the subtle ways that sin and sorrow erode your spirit, and actively resist their influence through prayer, scripture, and virtuous living.
Verses 4-7: He that is hasty to give credit is lightminded; and he that sinneth shall offend against his own soul. Whoso taketh pleasure in wickedness shall be condemned: but he that resisteth pleasures crowneth his life. He that can rule his tongue shall live without strife; and he that hateth babbling shall have less evil. Never repeat what you hear, and you will not be hurt.
Original (Greek): ὁ ταχὺς τοῦ πιστεῦσαι ἐλαφρόκαρδός, καὶ ὁ ἁμαρτάνων εἰς τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ἀνομήσει. ὁ εὐφραινόμενος ἐν ἀδικίᾳ κατακριθήσεται, ὁ δὲ μισῶν ἡδονὰς μακραίων ἐστίν. ὁ κρατῶν τὴν γλῶσσαν αὐτοῦ ζήσεται εἰρήνην, καὶ ὁ μισῶν λαλίαν ἐλαττώσει κακά. μὴ ἐπανάλῃς λόγον, καὶ οὐ μὴ βλαβῇς.
KJV: He that is hasty to give credit is lightminded; and he that sinneth shall offend against his own soul. Whoso taketh pleasure in wickedness shall be condemned: but he that resisteth pleasures crowneth his life. He that can rule his tongue shall live without strife; and he that hateth babbling shall have less evil. Rehearse not what is told unto thee, and thou shalt fare never the worse.
NKJV: He who is quick to believe is light-minded; and he who sins will wrong his own soul. He who takes pleasure in wickedness will be condemned, but he who resists pleasures crowns his life. He who can rule his tongue will live without strife; and he who hates talkativeness will have less evil. Never repeat a report, and you will never be harmed.
These verses delve into the importance of discernment, self-control, and wise speech. Hasty judgment and uncritical acceptance of information are condemned, as they can lead to sin and harm. The person who delights in wickedness faces condemnation, while the one who resists temptation is rewarded with a long and fulfilling life. The ability to control one’s tongue is presented as a path to peace and freedom from strife. The warning against repeating rumors underscores the importance of discretion in communication. St. Basil the Great speaks of this, “Γλῶσσα ἀχαλίνωτος ξίφος ἐστίν” (An unbridled tongue is a sword) (Homily 10, St. Basil).
Spiritual Application: Cultivate discernment in your thinking and avoid being easily swayed by rumors or unverified information. Seek truth and reject wickedness. Practice self-control in all areas of your life, resisting temptations and pursuing virtue. Guard your tongue, speaking with intentionality and kindness, and avoiding gossip and idle chatter. Be a source of peace and healing, not strife and division. Don’t repost or share information before verifying its credibility – especially online.
Verses 8-12: Advise with one that is wise. Hear a matter and judge it intelligently, not rushing to conclusions. If you are right, you will be credited for it; but if you fail, you will have made a mistake. One who speaks a wrong word does damage to himself; a hot-tempered person does himself harm. One who speaks deceitfully brings trouble on himself, and he will be hated.
Original (Greek): συμβούλευε μετὰ συνετοῦ. ἄκουε λόγον καὶ σύνες, καὶ μὴ σπεῦδε ἀποκρίνασθαι. εἰ ἔχεις δίκαιον, ἐπαινηθήσῃ, ἐὰν δὲ ἀστοχήσῃς, ἀποστήσῃ. ὁ λαλῶν ἀνόητα βλάπτει ἑαυτόν, καὶ ὁ θυμώδης ὀδυνᾷ ἑαυτόν. ὁ λαλῶν δόλια ἐπάγει ἑαυτῷ λύπην, καὶ μισηθήσεται.
KJV: Advise with one that is wise. Hear a matter before thou judge it. Question thy friend; lest he have done a thing, or if he have done it, that he do it no more. Hear counsel of thyself, and show thine own wisdom. If there be any injury done against thee, do not contend with all thy might; neither set thyself against a mighty man.
NKJV: Consult with one who is wise. Hear a matter before you judge it, and understand it intelligently. If you are right, you will be praised; but if you fail, you will make a mistake. He who speaks foolishly hurts himself, and a hot-tempered man hurts himself. He who speaks deceitfully brings trouble on himself, and he will be hated.
This section emphasizes the importance of seeking wise counsel, careful deliberation, and truthful speech. It warns against rash judgment and impulsive reactions, highlighting the potential harm caused by foolish or deceitful words. Consulting with wise individuals ensures informed decisions, while listening carefully before judging allows for a thorough understanding of the situation. The passage stresses that speaking honestly and avoiding deceitfulness builds trust and prevents trouble. St. Isaac the Syrian writes on this subject, “Οὔτε ἀληθεύειν χρὴ ἐφ’ ἅπασιν, οὔτε ψεύδεσθαι πρὸς πάντας” (One should neither be truthful in all things, nor lie to everyone) (Ascetical Homilies, St. Isaac).
Spiritual Application: Seek wise counsel from trusted spiritual leaders and mentors. Practice active listening and avoid hasty judgments. Speak truthfully and honestly in all your interactions. Control your temper and avoid impulsive reactions. Recognize that your words have power and use them to build up and encourage others. Be a person of integrity and trustworthiness.
Verses 13-17: Some people are silent because they have nothing to say; others are silent because they know the right time to speak. A wise person will be silent until the right moment, but a boaster and fool blurts out whatever comes to mind. One who is hated will speak contemptuously, but one who is respected will speak cautiously. People fail because of their talkativeness, but the prudent person hates to talk unnecessarily. People who are hated will speak contemptuously, but one who is respected is careful in speaking.
Original (Greek): ἔστιν σιγῶν ἐν ἀνοήτῳ, καὶ ἔστιν σιγῶν ἐν καιρῷ. σοφὸς σιγήσει ἕως καιροῦ, ἀλαζὼν καὶ ἄφρων οὐ φυλάσσει καιρόν. ὁ μισούμενος καλαβαλεῖ, καὶ ὁ προσδεκτὸς κοσμικὰ λαλήσει. ὁ λαλούμενος ἐν πολλοῖς καταβαρύνει, καὶ ὁ φρόνιμος μισήσει λαλιάν. Ὁ μισούμενος καλαβαλεῖ, καὶ ὁ προσδεκτὸς κοσμικὰ λαλήσει.
KJV: There is one that keepeth silence, because he hath not to answer again: and there is one that keepeth silence, knowing his time. A wise man will hold his peace till he see opportunity: but a babbler and a fool will regard no time. He that useth many words shall be abhorred; and he that taketh to himself authority therein shall be hated. There is one that keepeth silence, because he hath not to answer again: and there is one that keepeth silence, knowing his time.
NKJV: There is one who keeps silence because he has nothing to say; and another who keeps silence because he knows the right time to speak. A wise man will keep silent until the right time comes, but a braggart and fool blurts out whatever comes to mind. One who is hated will speak contemptuously, but one who is respected will speak cautiously. A person who talks too much is offensive, and the prudent man hates excessive talk. One who is hated will speak contemptuously, but he who is well-received will restrain his tongue.
These verses offer a nuanced perspective on silence and speech. It distinguishes between silence born of ignorance and silence born of wisdom. The wise person understands the value of timing and knows when to speak and when to remain silent. In contrast, the fool blurts out whatever comes to mind, without regard for the consequences. Excessive talkativeness is seen as offensive, while prudence and discretion are valued. Those who are respected speak cautiously, while those who are hated speak contemptuously. This connects with the deuterocanonical book of Wisdom of Solomon 1:11 which teaches that “Guard yourselves therefore from complaining, which profits nothing, and refrain your tongue from slander; because no secret utterance will go unheeded, and a lying mouth destroys the soul.”
Spiritual Application: Cultivate self-awareness and understand the motivations behind your silence and speech. Strive to be a person of wisdom, discerning the right time to speak and the right time to remain silent. Avoid excessive talkativeness and cultivate prudence in your communication. Speak with respect and kindness, even when dealing with difficult people. Let your words be seasoned with grace and truth.
Verses 18-22: One person becomes rich through his diligence and self-denial, and this is his reward. One person is ruined because of his foolishness, and this is what he deserves. To find favor with rulers, answer questions intelligently. A senseless person complains, but a discerning person is always thinking of something. One who is never disciplined says to the ungodly, “Who cares?” and a fire will burn inside him. A senseless person does not appreciate knowledge, and so he perishes.
Original (Greek): ἔστιν πλουτῶν ἐν σπουδῇ καὶ ἀποχῇ, καὶ αὕτη ἡ μερίς αὐτοῦ. ἔστιν ἀπολλύμενος ἐν ἀφροσύνῃ αὐτοῦ, καὶ οὗτος ἀνταπόδομα αὐτοῦ. εἰ θέλεις προσδεκτὸς γενέσθαι ἡγεμόσιν, ἀποκρίνου εἰδότως. ἄφρων γογγύσει, ὁ δὲ φρόνιμος διανοηθήσεται. ἀπαίδευτος λέγει τῷ ἀσεβεῖ, Τίς μοι, καὶ πῦρ ἐν αὐτῷ καιήσεται. ἄφρων οὐ γνώσεται σοφίαν, καὶ οὕτως ἀπολεῖται.
KJV: There is one that laboureth, and taketh pains, and maketh haste, and is so much the more behind. Again, there is another that is slow, and hath need of help, wanting ability; howbeit the eye of God looked upon him for good, and set him up from his low estate. There is that waxeth rich through his wariness and pinching, and this is the portion of his reward: Whereas his reward comes, he putteth himself in danger, because he is without boldness. There is that pincheth his soul, and knoweth not what he may get together: and what he getteth together he eateth strangers will eat it up. There is that is rich, and increaseth his substance by his diligence: and when he taketh his rest, he shall enjoy his goods.
NKJV: There is one who becomes rich through his diligence and self-denial, and this is his reward. And there is one who is ruined because of his foolishness, and this is his lot. To find favor with rulers, answer questions intelligently. A senseless person complains, but a discerning person is always thinking of something. A person who is never disciplined says to the ungodly, “Who cares?” and a fire will burn inside him. A senseless person does not appreciate knowledge, and so he perishes.
This concluding section contrasts the outcomes of diligence and foolishness. Diligence and self-denial lead to wealth and reward, while foolishness leads to ruin. Intelligent answers gain favor with rulers, while senseless complaints are unproductive. Discipline is essential for spiritual growth, while a lack of discipline leads to destruction. The verse highlights the importance of embracing knowledge and wisdom, warning that those who reject them will ultimately perish. These principles are echoed throughout the scriptures, emphasizing the connection between righteous living and positive outcomes.
Spiritual Application: Cultivate diligence and self-discipline in your life, recognizing that these virtues lead to lasting rewards. Avoid foolishness and recognize the destructive consequences of sin. Seek knowledge and wisdom, allowing them to guide your decisions and actions. Embrace discipline as a pathway to spiritual growth and maturity. Be a person of integrity, seeking to honor God in all that you do. Consider how a strong work ethic can benefit your online endeavors.
💡 Key Reflections and Teachings 🕊️
The wisdom contained within Sirach 19 provides a valuable guide for navigating the complexities of human relationships and fostering spiritual growth. Here are some key reflections and teachings from this chapter:
- ✨ The Power of the Tongue: Recognizing the destructive potential of unchecked speech and cultivating careful communication.
- 👂 The Importance of Discernment: Seeking truth and avoiding hasty judgments.
- 🌱 The Value of Self-Control: Mastering desires and resisting temptations.
- 🤝 The Benefits of Wise Counsel: Seeking guidance from trusted spiritual leaders and mentors.
- 🕊️ The Path to Peace: Living a life of integrity and avoiding strife.
- 💖 The Love of Knowledge: Growing in wisdom and seeking a deeper understanding of God’s will.
FAQ ❓
Here are some frequently asked questions about Sirach 19 and its practical applications:
- Q: How can I practically apply the teachings of Sirach 19 in my daily life?
A: By consciously choosing our words, carefully listening before speaking, and practicing self-control over our impulses. Seek advice from wise and trusted mentors, especially when facing challenging decisions. - Q: What does Sirach 19 say about gossip, and how can I avoid it?
A: It warns against repeating what you hear and emphasizes the importance of guarding your tongue. Actively resist the temptation to spread rumors or engage in idle chatter. Refocus the conversation on positive and edifying topics. - Q: How does Sirach 19 relate to other teachings in the Bible about speech?
A: It aligns with numerous passages in Proverbs, James, and other books that emphasize the power of the tongue and the importance of speaking with wisdom and grace. Consider Proverbs 10:19, “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” - Q: What does the Coptic Orthodox Church teach about the importance of discretion?
A: The Coptic Orthodox Church highly values discretion as a manifestation of humility, wisdom, and love. Our Fathers teach that controlling the tongue is essential for spiritual growth and maintaining healthy relationships with others. We are called to imitate Christ, who was “meek and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29).
Conclusion
Sirach 19 provides us with a timeless guide to navigating the complexities of human relationships and cultivating a life of wisdom and integrity. By understanding the power of discretion and wise speech, we can avoid the pitfalls of gossip, cultivate discernment, and build stronger, more meaningful connections with those around us. Let us strive to apply these teachings in our daily lives, seeking God’s grace to guide our words and actions. By embracing discretion, we can become beacons of light in a world often darkened by careless speech and unverified information, reflecting the love and truth of Christ in all that we say and do. Remember, true wisdom resides not in the quantity of our words, but in the quality of our intentions and the impact of our speech on others. May God grant us the grace to speak with kindness, truth, and discretion.
God Servant