Read & explore together
Seek wisdom with obedience rather than hypocrisy
Sirach 1:25–30 links wisdom with obedience, humility and truthful speech. The passage warns that wanting wisdom is not enough if a person approaches the Lord with pride, deceit or outward religion that hides an unfaithful heart.
Understanding the passage
Listening in context
This passage comes from Sirach, a wisdom book in the Catholic additional books. In these verses, the writer speaks in short sayings and commands. The focus stays on how wisdom relates to keeping the commandments, fearing the Lord, and rejecting hypocrisy, pride and deceit.
Sirach 1:25–30Main takeaway
According to Sirach 1:25–30, true wisdom belongs with obedience, humility and sincerity before the Lord, not with outward religion that hides a false heart.
Look closely at the words
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Wisdom and the sinnerThe passage opens with a contrast. Wisdom holds a "wise saying" like a treasure, showing value and depth.
Explanation
The passage opens with a contrast. Wisdom holds a "wise saying" like a treasure, showing value and depth. Yet "godliness" is called an abomination to a sinner. The verse does not reject godliness itself. It shows a mismatch between holy living and a person who remains committed to sin.
02How wisdom is soughtSirach then gives a clear instruction. If someone desires wisdom, that person should keep the commandments.
Explanation
Sirach then gives a clear instruction. If someone desires wisdom, that person should keep the commandments. The Lord is the giver of wisdom, and he gives her freely. Wisdom is also connected with "the fear of the Lord," along with instruction, faith and humility. These qualities belong together in this passage.
03No double heartNext come warnings about approach. A person must not disobey the fear of the Lord or come with a "double heart".
Explanation
Next come warnings about approach. A person must not disobey the fear of the Lord or come with a "double heart". In context, that means divided loyalty or inner deceit rather than sincere devotion. The passage presses beyond appearances and asks for wholehearted reverence before the Lord.
04Words, pride and exposureThe last verses turn to public behaviour. The reader must not be a hypocrite in human sight and must watch over the lips.
Explanation
The last verses turn to public behaviour. The reader must not be a hypocrite in human sight and must watch over the lips. Self-exaltation leads to falling and dishonour. The Lord reveals secrets and casts down the deceitful person because that heart did not come in the fear of the Lord.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01According to this passage, what should a person do if they desire wisdom?
Look for the direct instruction and promise in the text, and notice who gives wisdom.
02Which qualities are linked with the fear of the Lord in these verses?
List the words placed alongside wisdom and instruction without adding ideas from elsewhere.
03What signs of hypocrisy or deceit are warned against near the end of the passage?
Pay attention to the phrases about a double heart, lips, self-exaltation and hidden secrets.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Sirach 1:25–30
25A wise saying is in the treasures of wisdom; but godliness is an abomination to a sinner.
26If you desire wisdom, keep the commandments and the Lord will give her to you freely;
27for the fear of the Lord is wisdom and instruction. Faith and humility are his good pleasure.
28Don’t disobey the fear of the Lord. Don’t come to him with a double heart.
29Don’t be a hypocrite in men’s sight. Keep watch over your lips.
30Don’t exalt yourself, lest you fall and bring dishonor upon your soul. The Lord will reveal your secrets and will cast you down in the midst of the congregation, because you didn’t come to the fear of the Lord and your heart was full of deceit.