Read & explore together
Learn from elders and meditate on the commandments
This wisdom passage teaches a practical path towards understanding. It begins with willingness, moves to careful listening and wise company, and ends with steady meditation on the Lord’s commandments.
Understanding the passage
Listening in context
In Sirach 6:32–37, the speaker addresses “My son” and gives linked instructions about learning wisdom. The passage remains wisdom teaching and dialogue, not story. It traces a pattern: be willing to be instructed, listen closely, stay near wise elders, and keep the Lord’s ordinances and commandments in mind.
Sirach 6:32–37Main takeaway
According to this passage, wisdom is pursued through willingness, listening, staying near the wise, and continual meditation on the Lord’s commandments.
Look closely at the words
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Willingness to be instructedThe first words make willingness central. “If you are willing, you will be instructed” connects learning with readiness, not force.
Explanation
The first words make willingness central. “If you are willing, you will be instructed” connects learning with readiness, not force. “If you will yield your soul, you will be prudent” adds an inward response. The passage presents prudence as linked with a person who opens himself to instruction.
02Listening as a chosen practiceHearing is described as something to love and something to do deliberately. “If you love to hear, you will receive” and “if you incline your ear, you will be wise” show active attention.
Explanation
Hearing is described as something to love and something to do deliberately. “If you love to hear, you will receive” and “if you incline your ear, you will be wise” show active attention. Wisdom here is not accidental. It is tied to a learner’s choice to listen carefully.
03Stay close to wise people and wise wordsThe learner is told to stand among elders, attach himself to the wise, listen to godly discourse, and not let wise proverbs escape.
Explanation
The learner is told to stand among elders, attach himself to the wise, listen to godly discourse, and not let wise proverbs escape. This shows that wisdom grows in the company of people who understand and through paying attention to words worth keeping.
04Seek eagerly and meditate continuallyThe picture of wearing out the steps of a wise person’s doors shows eagerness to learn. Then the focus turns to the Lord’s ordinances and commandments.
Explanation
The picture of wearing out the steps of a wise person’s doors shows eagerness to learn. Then the focus turns to the Lord’s ordinances and commandments. The mind is to dwell on them continually. The verse says the Lord will establish the heart, and the desire for wisdom will be given.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What repeated “if” statements show that learning wisdom involves a personal response?
Notice how willingness, yielding, loving to hear, and inclining the ear are all choices named in the passage.
02How does the passage describe the people and words a learner should stay near?
Look at the references to elders, the wise, a man of understanding, godly discourse, and proverbs of understanding.
03What two outcomes are named when the mind dwells on the Lord’s ordinances and commandments?
Read the final verse closely and identify what it says the Lord does and what is given.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Sirach 6:32–37
32My son, if you are willing, you will be instructed. If you will yield your soul, you will be prudent.
33If you love to hear, you will receive. If you incline your ear, you will be wise.
34Stand in the multitude of the elders. Attach yourself to whomever is wise.
35Be willing to listen to every godly discourse. Don’t let the proverbs of understanding escape you.
36If you see a man of understanding, get to him early. Let your foot wear out the steps of his doors.
37Let your mind dwell on the ordinances of the Lord and meditate continually on his commandments. He will establish your heart and your desire for wisdom will be given to you.