Single lesson
Sirach 15: Do not blame God for the choice to sin
Sirach 15:11–20
Sirach 15:11–20 answers a serious excuse: blaming God for sin. This wisdom passage says God does not cause what he hates, and it calls readers to take responsibility for their choices.
Before you teach
In this part of Sirach, the writer speaks directly with commands such as “Don’t say” and then gives reasons. The passage contrasts excuses, God’s character, human choice, and the outcomes set before people. It remains wisdom teaching, not a story.
Explain the central teaching of Sirach 15: Do not blame God for the choice to sin, using two details from the reading. This passage teaches that God does not authorise sin, while people are responsible for the choices they make before him.
Welcome: Sirach 15: Do not blame God for the choice to sin
5 minIntroduce “Do not blame God for the choice to sin” and locate Sirach 15:11–20. This passage teaches that God does not authorise sin, while people are responsible for the choices they make before him. Invite each learner to name a detail or question they will listen for.
Sirach 15:11, Sirach 15:16, Sirach 15:20
Read and explain the passage
12 minThe passage begins by correcting two statements. A person must not say falling away came “through the Lord” or that God “caused me to err”. The reason is that God does not do what he hates, and he has no need of a sinful person. Sirach rejects blaming God for sin.
The writer says God made man from the beginning and “left him in the hand of his own counsel”. Then he adds, “If you choose, you can keep the commandments.” Faithfulness is presented as a matter of choice. The text stresses human responsibility, not compulsion from God.
The closing reason is God’s greatness. His wisdom is great, he is mighty in power, and he sees all things. His eyes are on those who fear him, and he knows every act of man. So the passage concludes that God has not commanded ungodliness or given licence to sin.
Read the selected verses together, pausing at “Do not blame God for the choice to sin”. Use the source reading below and check the explanation against the words of the passage.
Sirach 15:11, Sirach 15:12, Sirach 15:14, Sirach 15:15, Sirach 15:18, Sirach 15:19, Sirach 15:20
Discuss the details and their meaning
8 minUse the three questions below. Begin with “Which two excuses does Sirach tell people not to say?” and allow time to find the supporting verses. This passage teaches that God does not authorise sin, while people are responsible for the choices they make before him. Ask learners to explain which details support their answer and to identify a question they would like to explore further.
Sirach 15:11, Sirach 15:12, Sirach 15:16, Sirach 15:17, Sirach 15:18, Sirach 15:19, Sirach 15:20
Make and respond: Wisdom comparison cards
12 minWork on “Sirach 15: Do not blame God for the choice to sin: Wisdom comparison cards”. Follow the materials and steps below, using “Do not blame God for the choice to sin” as reading headings. Each learner should include at least two accurate details and their verse references. Share one observation from the finished sheet and explain how it connects with the central teaching.
Sirach 15:11, Sirach 15:16, Sirach 15:20
Closing: return to Do not blame God for the choice to sin
3 minRevisit Sirach 15:11–20. Invite a learner to summarise what the group has learned about Do not blame God for the choice to sin and another to support the summary with a verse. Give learners a moment to complete their response sheet. They can share a question or, if appropriate for the group, join the optional prayer.
Sirach 15:11, Sirach 15:16, Sirach 15:20
Questions to explore
Which two excuses does Sirach tell people not to say?
Look at the repeated words “Don’t say” and notice how each excuse makes God the cause of sin.
Sirach 15:11, Sirach 15:12
What images does the passage use to describe choice and outcomes?
Find the paired pictures in the middle of the passage and consider how they show different results.
Sirach 15:16, Sirach 15:17
How does the end of the passage explain why God should not be blamed for sin?
Notice what it says about God’s wisdom, power, sight, and what he has not commanded or permitted.
Sirach 15:18, Sirach 15:19, Sirach 15:20
Make, think or respond
Sirach 15: Do not blame God for the choice to sin: Wisdom comparison cards
What you’ll need
- plain paper or card
- pencils or pens
- a Bible or the source reading on this page
Try it together
- Fold a sheet into three panels or draw three columns. Label them “What the passage commends”, “What it warns against”, “The reason or outcome stated”.
- Read Sirach 15:11–20. Use “Do not blame God for the choice to sin” as your reading headings and add a short quotation or detail with its verse reference to each panel.
- Compare your notes with a partner. Check that every quotation is accurate and every conclusion has support in the passage.
- Write a proposed everyday example beside one teaching. Label it as your example and explain which words in the text guided it.
The finished sheet keeps the details of Sirach 15: Do not blame God for the choice to sin connected to their Bible references and gives the group a way to explain what they noticed.
Adapt for your group
- For learners who need more support, prepare the reading headings “Do not blame God for the choice to sin” and let them match short quotations to the correct heading.
- For confident readers, compare two sections of Sirach 15:11–20. Ask for a written explanation with two supporting references and one question that the text leaves open.
An optional closing prayer
“God, help us listen carefully as we read Sirach 15:11–20. Help us understand what we have read, ask thoughtful questions and respond with care for others. Amen.”
Read the Bible passage World English Bible Classic
Sirach 15
11 Don’t say, “It is through the Lord that I fell away;” for you shall not do the things that he hates.
12 Don’t say, “It is he that caused me to err;” for he has no need of a sinful man.
13 The Lord hates every abomination; and those who fear him don’t love them.
14 He himself made man from the beginning and left him in the hand of his own counsel.
15 If you choose, you can keep the commandments. To be faithful is a matter of your choice.
16 He has set fire and water before you. You will stretch forth your hand to whichever you desire.
17 Before man is life and death. Whichever he likes, it will be given to him.
18 For the wisdom of the Lord is great. He is mighty in power, and sees all things.
19 His eyes are upon those who fear him. He knows every act of man.
20 He has not commanded any man to be ungodly. He has not given any man license to sin.
World English Bible Classic. Public domain.