Guarding the Tongue and Heart: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Sirach 23

Executive Summary ✨

Sirach 23 delves into the crucial spiritual disciplines of guarding our tongues and hearts, urging us to avoid oaths, lies, lustful thoughts, and undisciplined behavior. This chapter, resonant with Coptic Orthodox asceticism, underscores the interconnectedness of inner purity and outward conduct. It highlights the pervasive nature of sin, emphasizing the constant need for vigilance and repentance. Drawing from the wisdom tradition, Sirach 23 emphasizes the all-seeing eye of God, a powerful motivator for righteousness. The chapter provides practical guidelines for achieving holiness, urging us to cultivate temperance, honesty, and chastity. Avoiding the snares of temptation and embracing God’s grace are presented as essential components of a God-fearing life. This detailed commentary will explore these themes verse by verse, drawing from scripture, patristic wisdom, and Coptic Orthodox tradition to illuminate the path to spiritual growth. Ultimately, it urges us to cultivate a heart and mind that pleases God, leading to a life marked by virtue and holiness; indeed, this is **guarding the tongue and heart**.

Sirach, also known as Ecclesiasticus, provides a timeless treasure trove of wisdom, reflecting the spiritual landscape of the Second Temple period. Chapter 23 focuses intently on the power of the tongue and the perils of a wayward heart. Let’s delve into this chapter, exploring its deep roots in Coptic Orthodox tradition and its relevance to our lives today, as we strive to **guarding the tongue and heart** in a world rife with temptation and distraction.

Commentary Sections 📜

Sirach 23:1-2

KJV: O Lord, Father and Governor of all my whole life, leave me not to their counsels, and let me not fall by them. Who will set scourges over my thoughts, and the discipline of wisdom over mine heart? who will not spare me for mine ignorances, and pass not over my sins?

NKJV: O Lord, Father and Ruler of all my life, do not leave me to their counsel; and let me not fall because of them. Who will set whips over my thoughts, and the discipline of wisdom over my heart? Who will not spare me for my ignorance, and not overlook my sins?

This opening prayer reveals a profound awareness of human frailty. Sirach acknowledges his dependence on God’s guidance, recognizing the vulnerability to harmful influences. This reflects the Coptic Orthodox emphasis on seeking God’s grace to overcome temptation. The plea for “scourges over my thoughts” signifies a desire for inner discipline and purification, echoing the ascetic practices of the desert fathers.

Patristic Insight: Abba Macarius the Great, in his homilies, speaks often of the need for constant self-examination and the struggle against the passions. He says, “Δεῖ ἡμᾶς ἀεὶ προσέχειν ἑαυτοῖς, καὶ φυλάσσειν τὴν καρδίαν ἡμῶν ἀπὸ πάσης ἀκαθαρσίας” (Dei hemas aei prosechein heautois, kai phylassein tēn kardian hēmōn apo pasēs akatharsias) – “We must always pay attention to ourselves and guard our hearts from all impurity.” (Macarius the Great, Homily 15). This underscores the continuous effort required to maintain spiritual purity, a concept central to Coptic Orthodox spirituality. Find some affordable web hosting here.

• Spiritual Application: Begin your day with a similar prayer, acknowledging your dependence on God’s grace.
• Spiritual Application: Practice daily self-examination, reflecting on your thoughts and actions.

Sirach 23:3-4

KJV: Lest mine ignorances increase, and my sins abound to my destruction, and I fall before mine adversaries, and mine enemy rejoice over me, whose hope is far from thy mercy. O Lord, Father and God of my life, give me not a proud look, but turn away from thy servants always a haughty mind.

NKJV: Lest my ignorance increase, and my sins abound to my ruin, and I fall before my adversaries, and my enemy rejoice over me, whose hope is far from Your mercy. O Lord, Father and God of my life, do not give me a proud look, but turn away from Your servants always a haughty mind.

The passage highlights the devastating consequences of unchecked sin: spiritual destruction, vulnerability to enemies, and a loss of God’s mercy. The prayer against “a proud look” and “a haughty mind” reflects the Coptic Orthodox emphasis on humility as a foundational virtue. Pride is seen as the root of all sins, leading to separation from God.

Biblical Connection: Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” This reinforces the idea that humility is essential for spiritual well-being.

• Spiritual Application: Cultivate humility in all your interactions, recognizing your dependence on God and the gifts He has given you.
• Spiritual Application: Be aware of the dangers of pride and actively seek to combat it in your thoughts and actions.

Sirach 23:5-6

KJV: Turn away from me all vain affections and concupiscence, and do thou not deliver me over unto an impudent mind. Receive a loving and gracious spirit, and a heart that is set to please thee, and love and fear thee in all things.

NKJV: Turn away from me all evil desire and lust, and do not deliver me into the power of a shameless mind. Do not receive a proud and haughty heart, and turn away from Your servants a shameless mind.

This verse directly addresses the battle against temptation, urging God to remove “vain affections and concupiscence.” It emphasizes the need for a “loving and gracious spirit” and a heart “set to please” God. This mirrors the Coptic Orthodox emphasis on *theosis* (deification), the process of becoming more like Christ through grace and virtuous living.

Theosis and Spiritual Growth: The Coptic Orthodox understanding of theosis underlines the belief that through consistent prayer, asceticism, and participation in the sacraments, one can gradually become more and more like God.

• Spiritual Application: Regularly pray for the strength to resist temptation and cultivate virtuous desires.
• Spiritual Application: Seek opportunities to serve others and express love and compassion.

Sirach 23:7-8

KJV: Let not the greediness of the belly nor lust of the flesh take hold of me; and give not over me thy servant into shamelessness. Hear, O ye children, the discipline of the mouth: he that keepeth it shall not be taken in his words.

NKJV: Do not let the greediness of the stomach or lust of the flesh take hold of me; and do not deliver me, Your servant, into shamelessness. Listen, O children, to the discipline of the mouth; he who keeps it will not be caught in his words.

The focus shifts to the specific sins of gluttony and lust, emphasizing their destructive power. The passage then highlights the importance of “the discipline of the mouth,” setting the stage for the subsequent discussion on oaths and lies. The Coptic Orthodox Church places great emphasis on fasting as a means of controlling bodily desires and cultivating spiritual discipline.

Fasting in the Coptic Orthodox Tradition: The Coptic Orthodox Church observes several fasting periods throughout the year, including the Great Lent, the Nativity Fast, and the Fast of the Apostles. These periods are designed to help believers purify their bodies and souls.

• Spiritual Application: Practice moderation in eating and drinking, avoiding gluttony and excessive indulgence.
• Spiritual Application: Be mindful of your words and avoid gossip, slander, and idle talk.

Sirach 23:9-11

KJV: The sinner shall be taken in his own lips, and the reviler and proud shall fall thereby. Accustom not thy mouth to swearing; neither use thyself to the naming of the Holy One. For as a servant that is continually beaten shall not be without a blue mark: so he that sweareth and nameth God continually shall not be faultless.

NKJV: The sinner is trapped by his own lips, and the reviler and the proud fall because of them. Do not accustom your mouth to swearing, nor become used to the naming of the Holy One. For as a servant who is continually beaten will not be without a bruise, so he who always swears and names God will not be faultless.

These verses condemn swearing and the casual use of God’s name, highlighting the disrespect and potential for falsehood that such practices entail. The Coptic Orthodox Church teaches reverence for the name of God, viewing it as a sacred and powerful symbol.

The Power of God’s Name: In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, the name of God is invoked in prayer, blessings, and exorcisms. It is seen as a source of divine power and protection.

• Spiritual Application: Treat the name of God with reverence and avoid using it carelessly or profanely.
• Spiritual Application: Be mindful of the impact of your words and avoid swearing or cursing.

Sirach 23:12-15

KJV: A man that useth much swearing shall be filled with iniquity, and the plague shall never depart from his house: if he offend, his sin shall be upon him: and if he acknowledge not his sin, he maketh a double offence: and if he swear in vain, he shall not be innocent, but his house shall be full of calamities. There is a word that is clothed about with death: God grant that it be not found in the heritage of Jacob: for all such things shall be far from the godly, and they shall not wallow in their sins. Use not thy mouth to intemperate swearing, for therein is the word of destruction.

NKJV: A man who swears much is full of iniquity, and the scourge will never depart from his house. If he offends, his sin will be on him; and if he disregards his oath, he doubles his offense. And if he swears falsely, he will not be justified, for his house will be full of calamities. There is a habit that leads to death; may it not be found in the heritage of Jacob! For all such things will be far from the godly, and they will not wallow in sins. Do not accustom your mouth to unseemly language, for there is always sinful talk in it.

The consequences of excessive swearing are described in stark terms: iniquity, plagues, and calamities. The warning against a “word that is clothed about with death” underscores the destructive power of the tongue. This section aligns with the Coptic Orthodox emphasis on moral purity and the avoidance of sinful behavior.

• Spiritual Application: Reflect on the impact of your words on yourself and others.
• Spiritual Application: Strive to speak with kindness, truthfulness, and respect.

Sirach 23:16-21

KJV: Remember thy father and thy mother, when thou sittest among great men; that thou forget not thyself before them, and be abashed because of thy education; and know that even unto old age they will wonder at thee. O man, remember righteousness; for thine end shall declare thee in good understanding. A fool multiplieth words: a wise man is valued for his little speech. How much ungodliness is he that is not approved in the trial! and he that hath knowledge will not understand. There is one that laboureth, and taketh pains, and maketh haste, and is so much the more behind.

NKJV: Remember your father and mother when you sit among great men; lest you forget yourself in their presence, and become a fool on account of your breeding. Then you will wish you had not been born, and you will curse the day of your birth. A man who is used to abusive language will never be disciplined as long as he lives. Two kinds of men multiply sins, and a third incurs wrath. A passionate heart is like a burning fire; it will not be quenched until it is burned up. A man who commits sexual sins against his own body will not stop until he has burned himself up. To a man who is unfaithful to his own marriage bed, every loaf of bread is bitter. He will not stop until he dies.

This section explores the importance of humility, wisdom, and self-control. It warns against foolish behavior and emphasizes the value of righteousness. The Coptic Orthodox Church emphasizes the importance of respecting elders and honoring one’s parents, reflecting the Fifth Commandment.

Honoring Parents in the Coptic Orthodox Tradition: The Coptic Orthodox Church teaches that honoring one’s parents is a sacred duty, essential for spiritual growth and well-being.

• Spiritual Application: Show respect and gratitude to your parents and elders.
• Spiritual Application: Strive to cultivate wisdom and self-control in your words and actions.

Sirach 23:22-27

KJV: A man that breaketh wedlock, saying thus in his heart, Who seeth me? I am compassed about with darkness, and the walls cover me, and no body doth see me; what need I to fear? the most High will not remember my sins: Such a man only feareth the eyes of men, and knoweth not that the eyes of the Lord are ten thousand times brighter than the sun, beholding all the ways of men, and considering even the secret parts. He knew all things afore it was ever created; so also after it was perfected he looketh upon all things. Such a man shall be punished in the streets of the city, and where he suspecteth not he shall be taken. Thus shall it go also with the wife that leaveth her husband, and bringeth in an heir by another.

NKJV: A man who breaks wedlock says to himself, “Who sees me? Darkness surrounds me, and the walls hide me, and no one sees me. Why should I fear? The Most High will not remember my sins.” He fears only the eyes of men, and does not know that the eyes of the Lord are ten thousand times brighter than the sun, beholding all the ways of men and considering even the secret places. He knew all things before they were created; so also after they were perfected He looks upon all things. Such a man will be punished in the streets of the city, and where he suspects not he will be seized. Thus it will go also with the wife who leaves her husband, and brings in an heir by another man.

This powerful section warns against adultery, emphasizing the all-seeing eye of God. The passage condemns the delusion that secret sins are hidden from God, highlighting the certainty of divine judgment. This reinforces the Coptic Orthodox teaching on the sanctity of marriage and the consequences of infidelity.

The Sanctity of Marriage in the Coptic Orthodox Tradition: The Coptic Orthodox Church views marriage as a sacred sacrament, uniting a man and a woman in a lifelong commitment of love and fidelity.

• Spiritual Application: Uphold the sanctity of marriage in your thoughts and actions.
• Spiritual Application: Remember that God sees all things, even the hidden sins of the heart.

Sirach 23:25-27

KJV: For first, she hath disobeyed the law of the most High; and secondly, she hath trespassed against her own husband; and thirdly, she hath played the whore in adultery, and brought children by another man. She shall be brought out into the congregation, and inquisition shall be made of her children. Her children shall not take root, and her branches shall bring forth no fruit. She shall leave her memory to be cursed, and her reproach shall not be blotted out. And they that remain shall know that there is nothing better than the fear of the Lord, and that there is nothing sweeter than to take heed unto the commandments of the Lord.

NKJV: For first, she has disobeyed the law of the Most High; and secondly, she has trespassed against her own husband; and thirdly, she has played the harlot in adultery, and brought children by another man. She shall be brought out into the assembly, and inquiry will be made concerning her children. Her children will not take root, and her branches will bear no fruit. She shall leave her memory to be cursed, and her reproach will not be blotted out. And those who remain will know that there is nothing better than the fear of the Lord, and that there is nothing sweeter than to heed the commandments of the Lord.

The concluding verses emphasize the multiple layers of sin involved in adultery: disobedience to God, betrayal of one’s spouse, and the introduction of illegitimate children. The ultimate lesson is that “there is nothing better than the fear of the Lord” and “nothing sweeter than to heed the commandments of the Lord.” This reaffirms the Coptic Orthodox emphasis on obedience to God’s will as the foundation of a virtuous life. **Guarding the tongue and heart** is a pathway to righteousness and joy, a theme that resonates throughout this chapter.

• Spiritual Application: Embrace the fear of the Lord as a motivator for righteous living.
• Spiritual Application: Strive to obey God’s commandments in all aspects of your life.

Subtopic: The All-Seeing Eye of God💡

The concept of God’s omnipresence and omniscience plays a crucial role in shaping our ethical and spiritual lives. Recognizing that our thoughts and actions are always visible to God can be a powerful deterrent against sin and a motivator for righteousness.

• Fear of God: The “fear of God” is not simply terror, but a deep reverence and respect that leads to obedience.
• Consequences of Sin: Sin, even when hidden, carries consequences that affect not only the individual but also their family and community.
• Inner Transformation: True repentance involves not only outward actions but also an inner transformation of the heart.
• Divine Judgment: God’s judgment is not arbitrary but based on a comprehensive understanding of our thoughts, motives, and actions.
• Grace and Forgiveness: While God sees all our sins, He also offers grace and forgiveness to those who sincerely repent.
• Living in Light: Choosing to live in the light of God’s presence brings peace, joy, and spiritual growth.

FAQ ❓

• Q: Why does Sirach focus so heavily on the tongue? A: The tongue is seen as a powerful instrument that can be used for both good and evil. It has the power to build up or tear down, to bless or curse. Controlling the tongue is therefore essential for spiritual growth.
• Q: What does it mean to “fear the Lord”? A: To “fear the Lord” is not to be afraid of Him in a purely negative sense, but to have a deep reverence and respect for His holiness and authority. This reverence motivates us to obey His commandments and avoid sin.
• Q: How can I cultivate humility in my life? A: Cultivating humility requires a conscious effort to recognize our dependence on God and acknowledge our limitations. It involves avoiding pride, seeking opportunities to serve others, and being willing to admit our mistakes.
• Q: What role does repentance play in spiritual growth? A: Repentance is essential for spiritual growth, as it allows us to turn away from sin and return to God. True repentance involves not only confessing our sins but also making a firm commitment to change our behavior.

Conclusion ✨

Sirach 23 offers profound insights into the importance of **guarding the tongue and heart**. It calls us to a life of vigilance, self-discipline, and reliance on God’s grace. By avoiding oaths, lies, lustful thoughts, and undisciplined behavior, we can cultivate a heart and mind that pleases God. The chapter underscores the interconnectedness of inner purity and outward conduct, reminding us that our words and actions reflect the state of our hearts. The all-seeing eye of God serves as a powerful motivator for righteousness, urging us to live in accordance with His will. Let us heed the wisdom of Sirach and strive to live lives marked by virtue, holiness, and a deep love for God, thus securing our salvation.

Tags

Sirach, Ecclesiasticus, Coptic Orthodox, Tongue, Heart, Sin, Oaths, Lies, Lust, Humility, Repentance, Theosis, Fasting, Fear of God, Commandments, Divine Judgement

Meta Description

Explore Sirach 23 with this Coptic Orthodox commentary: Guarding the Tongue and Heart. Learn to avoid oaths, lies, and lustful thoughts, cultivating a virtuous life.