Read & explore together
Know your limits and restrain overeating
This wisdom passage calls for honest self-examination and self-control. It begins with noticing what is harmful, then narrows to appetite, warning against greed in luxury and overeating.
Understanding the passage
Listening in context
In Sirach 37:27–31, the speaker addresses “My son” and gives practical counsel for daily life. The passage starts with testing what is harmful, explains that not everything benefits everyone, and then applies that principle to luxury, food, and overeating.
Sirach 37:27–31Main takeaway
This passage teaches that wisdom includes knowing what is harmful for you and refusing uncontrolled appetite.
Look closely at the words
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Test your life carefullyThe first saying is personal: “test your soul in your life”. The point is to examine yourself, “see what is evil for it”, and “don’t give in to it”.
Explanation
The first saying is personal: “test your soul in your life”. The point is to examine yourself, “see what is evil for it”, and “don’t give in to it”. Wisdom here is not passive. It asks for honest judgement about what is harmful and a deliberate refusal to yield to it.
02Not everything suits everyoneVerse 28 explains why this testing matters. “Not all things are profitable for all men.” A thing may exist or even please someone, but that does not mean it benefits every person.
Explanation
Verse 28 explains why this testing matters. “Not all things are profitable for all men.” A thing may exist or even please someone, but that does not mean it benefits every person. The next line adds that “not every soul has pleasure in everything”, showing differences in what people can rightly receive.
03Be restrained with luxury and foodThe passage then names a clear example. “Don’t be insatiable in any luxury” warns against never being satisfied.
Explanation
The passage then names a clear example. “Don’t be insatiable in any luxury” warns against never being satisfied. “Don’t be greedy in the things that you eat” applies the same principle to food. The warning is not against eating itself, but against appetite that reaches beyond restraint.
04Gluttony brings harmThe final verses give the reason for this warning. “Overeating brings disease,” and “gluttony causes nausea.”
Explanation
The final verses give the reason for this warning. “Overeating brings disease,” and “gluttony causes nausea.” The passage intensifies the warning further: “Because of gluttony, many have perished.” In contrast, “he who takes heed shall prolong his life.” The text presents restraint as serious wisdom, not a small matter.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What two actions are joined together in the command to “test your soul in your life”?
Look closely at Sirach 37:27 and connect examining yourself with seeing what is evil for you and not giving in to it.
02How does verse 28 challenge the idea that the same pleasures are good for everyone?
Answer from the two statements in the verse about what is profitable and what each soul has pleasure in.
03What consequences of gluttony are named in this passage?
List the results stated in Sirach 37:30–31 and include the contrast with the person who takes heed.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Sirach 37:27–31
27My son, test your soul in your life. See what is evil for it, and don’t give in to it.
28For not all things are profitable for all men. Not every soul has pleasure in everything.
29Don’t be insatiable in any luxury. Don’t be greedy in the things that you eat.
30For overeating brings disease, and gluttony causes nausea.
31Because of gluttony, many have perished, but he who takes heed shall prolong his life.