Read & explore together
Wise correction and silence depend on timing
Sirach 20:1–8 teaches that correction, silence, speech and authority all depend on timing and self-control. The passage does not praise silence in every case or speaking in every case. Instead, it weighs when words are fitting and when they become harmful.
Understanding the passage
Listening in context
This passage comes from Sirach, a wisdom book in the Catholic additional books. In these verses, the writer places short sayings side by side. They compare timely reproof, anger, confession, silence, wise speech, much talk and self-appointed authority, so the reader can consider how conduct should match the moment.
Sirach 20:1–8Main takeaway
This passage teaches that wisdom is shown not simply by speaking or being silent, but by knowing the right time, right spirit and right measure.
Look closely at the words
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Timely correction is better than angry reactionThe passage opens by saying that some reproof is untimely, yet some silence is wise. It then adds that reproof can be good, better than anger.
Explanation
The passage opens by saying that some reproof is untimely, yet some silence is wise. It then adds that reproof can be good, better than anger. This means correction itself is not rejected. The issue is whether it is given in the right way, instead of letting anger rule. Confession is also linked with being kept back from harm.
02Violent judgement is condemnedVerse 4 uses sexual and violent imagery to show that judgement carried out with violence is deeply wrong and out of place.
Explanation
Verse 4 uses sexual and violent imagery to show that judgement carried out with violence is deeply wrong and out of place. The saying does not describe a story event. It is wisdom language that exposes how improper and destructive violent judgement is, even when someone claims to be carrying out justice.
03Silence can come from wisdom or from lackThe next sayings carefully distinguish different kinds of silence. One person keeps silent and is considered wise, but another keeps silent because he has no answer.
Explanation
The next sayings carefully distinguish different kinds of silence. One person keeps silent and is considered wise, but another keeps silent because he has no answer. A third keeps silent because he knows when to speak. So the passage does not treat all silence as equal. Motive and timing matter.
04Wise speech fits its timeA wise person waits until the proper time, while the braggart and fool miss it. The final warning is about excess words and seized authority.
Explanation
A wise person waits until the proper time, while the braggart and fool miss it. The final warning is about excess words and seized authority. Much talk leads to disgust, and self-appointed rule brings hatred. In these sayings, wisdom appears as restraint, patience and fitting action rather than noisy self-importance.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01According to these verses, what makes reproof good or bad?
Compare the untimely reproof in verse 1 with the statement that reproof is good and better than anger in verse 2.
02How does the passage show that silence is not always the same thing?
List the different reasons for silence in verses 5 and 6, then notice how verse 7 adds the idea of waiting for the right time.
03What warnings are given about speech and authority?
Look for the results attached to many words and to taking authority for oneself, and describe the pattern you see.
Read the Bible passages
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Sirach 20:1–2
1There is a reproof that is not timely; and there is a person who is wise enough to keep silent.
2How good is it to reprove, rather than to be angry. He who confesses will be kept back from harm.
Sirach 20:4–8
4As is the lust of a eunuch to deflower a virgin, so is he who executes judgments with violence.
5There is one who keeps silent and is found wise; and there is one who is hated for his much talk.
6There is one who keeps silent, for he has no answer to make; And there is one who keeps silent, knowing when to speak.
7A wise man will be silent until his time has come, but the braggart and fool will miss his time.
8He who uses many words will be abhorred. He who takes authority for himself will be hated in it.
Source passages
Source: Sirach 20 ↗Translation and source notes
Some verse numbers are represented by textual notes in World English Bible Classic. The reading below follows the text printed in the main passage.