Read & explore together
Deceit and malicious delight rebound on their makers
Sirach 27:22–29 warns that deceit, mockery and delight in another person’s fall do not stay hidden or harmless. This wisdom passage describes how crooked behaviour turns back on the person who chooses it.
Understanding the passage
Listening in context
In this part of Sirach, the writer speaks in short wisdom sayings about harmful speech, hidden malice and their consequences. The passage stays in the form of observation and warning, using vivid pictures such as stones, pits, snares and a lion to show where evil leads.
Sirach 27:22–29Main takeaway
This passage teaches that deceitful and arrogant harm rebounds on the wrongdoer, so God’s people should recognise it and not join in it.
Look closely at the words
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Hidden evil behind pleasant wordsThe passage begins by exposing a person who “winks the eye” and plans evil. Outward signals and charming speech are not presented as innocent here, because this person later twists words and lays traps.
Explanation
The passage begins by exposing a person who “winks the eye” and plans evil. Outward signals and charming speech are not presented as innocent here, because this person later twists words and lays traps. The warning is practical: people who know such a person learn to keep their distance.
02Strong hatred of deceitSirach then speaks plainly about how serious this behaviour is. The writer says he has hated many things, but nothing like this kind of deceitful person.
Explanation
Sirach then speaks plainly about how serious this behaviour is. The writer says he has hated many things, but nothing like this kind of deceitful person. The passage goes further by saying, “The Lord will hate him,” showing that treachery is not a small social fault but something God opposes.
03Evil turns back on its makerNext come three pictures. A stone thrown straight up falls back on the thrower’s own head.
Explanation
Next come three pictures. A stone thrown straight up falls back on the thrower’s own head. A person digging a pit or setting a snare is caught by the very danger prepared for someone else. These sayings explain the main lesson: evil can rebound unexpectedly on the one who started it.
04Mockery, arrogance and joy at ruinThe final lines name mockery and reproach as products of arrogance. Vengeance is pictured as waiting like a lion, and those who enjoy the downfall of the godly are said to be trapped themselves.
Explanation
The final lines name mockery and reproach as products of arrogance. Vengeance is pictured as waiting like a lion, and those who enjoy the downfall of the godly are said to be trapped themselves. The warning reaches even inward delight in another person’s fall, not only outward actions.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01How does Sirach describe the contrast between a deceitful person’s words in public and actions afterwards?
Look closely at the change from speaking sweetly and admiring words to twisting speech and setting a trap.
02Which word pictures show that wrongdoing can return to the wrongdoer?
List each image in the passage and explain what happens to the person who started the harm.
03What kinds of attitudes and behaviour are especially condemned at the end of the passage?
Notice the links between arrogance, mockery, reproach and rejoicing when the godly fall.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Sirach 27:22–29
22One who winks the eye contrives evil things; and those who know him will keep their distance.
23When you are present, he will speak sweetly, and will admire your words; but afterward he will twist his speech and set a trap in your words.
24I have hated many things, but nothing like him. The Lord will hate him.
25One who casts a stone straight up casts it on his own head. A deceitful blow opens wounds.
26He who digs a pit will fall into it. He who sets a snare will be caught in it.
27He who does evil things, they will roll back upon him, and he will not know where they came from.
28Mockery and reproach are from the arrogant. Vengeance lies in wait for them like a lion.
29Those who rejoice at the fall of the godly will be caught in a snare. Anguish will consume them before they die.