Read & explore together
Well-considered counsel steadies the heart
This wisdom passage uses images from building to compare different kinds of hearts. One heart is established on well-advised counsel and thoughtful understanding. Another is fearful and shaped by foolish imagining, so it does not stand firm.
Understanding the passage
Listening in context
Sirach 22:16–18 speaks in comparisons, not narrative. The verses move from timber, plaster and fences to the condition of the heart. The passage contrasts stability and fear by linking each heart to what it is settled on or shaped by.
Sirach 22:16–18Main takeaway
This passage teaches that a heart established on wise counsel and thoughtful understanding stands steadier than a fearful heart shaped by foolish imagination.
Look closely at the words
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Bound timber and an established heartSirach first points to timber girded and bound into a building. It is not released with shaking because it has been secured.
Explanation
Sirach first points to timber girded and bound into a building. It is not released with shaking because it has been secured. The comparison then turns to a person: a heart established in due season on well-advised counsel will not be afraid. The verse joins steadiness with counsel that is well advised.
02A heart settled on understandingThe next verse speaks of a heart settled upon a thoughtful understanding. Sirach compares this heart to an ornament of plaster on a polished wall.
Explanation
The next verse speaks of a heart settled upon a thoughtful understanding. Sirach compares this heart to an ornament of plaster on a polished wall. The passage does not explain the picture further, but it clearly presents this settled heart and thoughtful understanding as a positive image.
03A fence in the windSirach then gives a contrasting picture. Fences set on a high place will not stand against the wind.
Explanation
Sirach then gives a contrasting picture. Fences set on a high place will not stand against the wind. In the same way, a fearful heart in the imagination of a fool will not stand against any fear. The verse connects instability with fear and with the imagination of a fool.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What does verse 16 say the steady heart is established on?
Answer with the verse’s own words about being established in due season on well-advised counsel.
02What comparison is used for a heart settled on thoughtful understanding?
Stay close to the exact image Sirach gives rather than adding meanings the verse does not state.
03Why does the heart in verse 18 fail to stand?
Notice both parts of the description: it is fearful, and it is in the imagination of a fool.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Sirach 22:16–18
16Timber girded and bound into a building will not be released with shaking. So a heart established in due season on well advised counsel will not be afraid.
17A heart settled upon a thoughtful understanding is as an ornament of plaster on a polished wall.
18Fences set on a high place will not stand against the wind; so a fearful heart in the imagination of a fool will not stand against any fear.