Read & explore together
Practice restraint and learn from elders
Sirach 8:1–9 gives brief warnings about restraint in conflict and careful respect for others. It then turns to the value of listening to wise and older people so a learner gains practical help for life.
Understanding the passage
Listening in context
In this part of Sirach, the speaker gives a sequence of commands beginning with “Don’t”. The sayings warn about quarrels, mockery, reproach and dishonour, then end with a positive call to hear the wise and the aged. This book belongs to the Catholic additional books.
Sirach 8:1–9Main takeaway
This passage presents wisdom as restrained behaviour, humble remembrance of our shared limits, and teachability toward the wise and the aged.
Look closely at the words
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Do not stir up dangerous quarrelsThe first three sayings warn against disputes with people who may overpower you. A mighty man may bring you into his hands.
Explanation
The first three sayings warn against disputes with people who may overpower you. A mighty man may bring you into his hands. A rich man may use wealth to prevail, and the text says gold has turned the hearts of kings. A loudmouthed man is compared to a fire that grows if more wood is added.
02Do not mock, and show mercySirach next forbids making fun of a rude man, giving a specific reason: your ancestors may be dishonoured.
Explanation
Sirach next forbids making fun of a rude man, giving a specific reason: your ancestors may be dishonoured. It also says not to reproach a person who turns from sin. The reason there is different: remember that all of us are worthy of punishment. These sayings press the reader toward restraint and mercy.
03Remember ageing and deathThe passage continues with two reminders about human limits. Do not dishonour a man in old age, because some of us are growing old as well.
Explanation
The passage continues with two reminders about human limits. Do not dishonour a man in old age, because some of us are growing old as well. Do not rejoice over anyone’s death, because we all die. The text uses these shared realities to check pride and cruelty toward others.
04Listen to the wise and the agedThe final lines turn from warning to instruction. Do not neglect the discourse of the wise, but become familiar with their proverbs.
Explanation
The final lines turn from warning to instruction. Do not neglect the discourse of the wise, but become familiar with their proverbs. Do not miss the discourse of the aged, who also learned from their parents. The stated results are discipline, how to serve great men, understanding, and an answer in time of need.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What three reasons does Sirach give for avoiding certain arguments?
List the danger from the mighty, the power of wealth, and the fire image for a loudmouthed person.
02What different reasons are given for not mocking a rude man and not reproaching someone turning from sin?
One warning mentions dishonouring your ancestors, while the other says we are all worthy of punishment.
03What outcomes come from listening to the wise and the aged?
Use the exact benefits named in the passage rather than general ideas.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Sirach 8:1–9
1Don’t contend with a mighty man, lest perhaps you fall into his hands.
2Don’t strive with a rich man, lest perhaps he overpower you; for gold has destroyed many, and turned away the hearts of kings.
3Don’t argue with a loudmouthed man. Don’t heap wood upon his fire.
4Don’t make fun of a rude man, lest your ancestors be dishonored.
5Don’t reproach a man when he turns from sin. Remember that we are all worthy of punishment.
6Don’t dishonor a man in his old age, for some of us are also growing old.
7Don’t rejoice over anyone’s death. Remember that we all die.
8Don’t neglect the discourse of the wise. Be conversant with their proverbs; for from them you will learn discipline and how to serve great men.
9Don’t miss the discourse of the aged, for they also learned from their parents, because from them you will learn understanding, and to give an answer in time of need.