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Careless speech, false shame, and lies bring disgrace
Sirach 20:18–26 gathers sharp sayings about speech, timing, shame, promises, and lies. The passage warns that words can trip a person badly, and it shows how foolish speech and false shame can end in dishonour.
Understanding the passage
Listening in context
In this part of Sirach, the teaching comes as wisdom sayings placed one after another. These verses compare different kinds of harmful behaviour, especially careless speech, poor timing, unnecessary bashfulness, and lying. The passage stays focused on disgrace and destruction that come from these patterns.
Sirach 20:18–26Main takeaway
This passage teaches that foolish speech, false shame, and lying bring lasting dishonour, so a person should treat words and promises with care.
Look closely at the words
01A slip of the tongue can be worse than a fallSirach begins with a comparison: falling on pavement is bad, but a verbal slip is worse. The saying then links this kind of evil speech with the downfall of the wicked.
Explanation
Sirach begins with a comparison: falling on pavement is bad, but a verbal slip is worse. The saying then links this kind of evil speech with the downfall of the wicked. The point is not about physical clumsiness, but about the serious damage careless or wicked words can bring.
02Words without grace or proper timing failThe next sayings describe speech that does not fit. A person without grace is compared to a tale told at the wrong time, and a fool’s parable is rejected because he does not tell it properly.
Explanation
The next sayings describe speech that does not fit. A person without grace is compared to a tale told at the wrong time, and a fool’s parable is rejected because he does not tell it properly. Wisdom here includes not only what is said, but when and how it is said.
03False shame can lead to harmThese verses then turn to bashfulness. One person is kept from sin only by lack of opportunity, not by wisdom, so rest does not trouble him.
Explanation
These verses then turn to bashfulness. One person is kept from sin only by lack of opportunity, not by wisdom, so rest does not trouble him. Another destroys himself through bashfulness, and another makes promises to a friend out of shame, creating an enemy for nothing. Bashfulness is not praised here when it leads to foolish choices.
04Lies leave an ugly markThe passage closes with strong warnings about lying. A lie is called an ugly blot, and the liar is compared unfavourably even with a thief.
Explanation
The passage closes with strong warnings about lying. A lie is called an ugly blot, and the liar is compared unfavourably even with a thief. Both face destruction, while the liar’s particular end is dishonour and ongoing shame. The repeated emphasis shows that lies cling to a person’s reputation.
Questions to explore
01What comparison in verse 18 shows the danger of careless speech?
Look at the two kinds of slips and notice which one Sirach presents as worse.
02According to verses 19–20, what makes speech fail even if it sounds important?
Pay attention to the ideas of grace, proper timing, and how others receive the words.
03How do verses 23–26 connect foolish promises, lies, and dishonour?
Trace the movement from making promises out of bashfulness to the repeated shame attached to lying.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Sirach 20:18–26
18A slip on a pavement is better than a slip with the tongue. So the fall of the wicked will come speedily.
19A man without grace is a tale out of season. It will be continually in the mouth of the ignorant.
20A parable from a fool’s mouth will be rejected; for he won’t tell it at the proper time.
21There is one who is hindered from sinning through lack. When he rests, he will not be troubled.
22There is one who destroys his soul through bashfulness. By a foolish countenance, he will destroy it.
23There is one who for bashfulness makes promises to his friend; and he makes him his enemy for nothing.
24A lie is an ugly blot on a person. It will be continually in the mouth of the ignorant.
25A thief is better than a man who is continually lying, but they both will inherit destruction.
26The destination of a liar is dishonor. His shame is with him continually.