Sirach 28
28
1The Lord keeps a record
of those who take revenge
and he will punish them
for their sins.
2 #
Mt 6.14; Mk 11.25,26. So forgive those who harm you,
and when you pray,
God will forgive you.
3But don't expect
the Lord to forgive you
if you hold a grudge
4or refuse to show mercy.
5God won't accept sacrifices
for your sins
if you stay angry with others.
6Life is too short
to waste it by being angry,
so obey God
and forgive your enemies.
7Remember his commands
and his agreement with us.
Don't let the faults of others
make you angry with them.
Arguments
8If you control your temper,
you won't start arguments
or sin as much.
9And remember, it is sinful
to start an argument
that destroys a friendship.
10Stubbornness heats up
an argument,
just as adding wood
heats up a fire.
If you are rich and powerful,
you can afford
to lose your temper.
11A quick temper can blaze up
and lead to murder.
12Blow on a spark
and it bursts into flames;
spit on a spark
and it dies out.
In the same way, your words
can either heat up an argument
or make it cool down.
Gossip, Lies, and Cruel Words
13 #
Si 51.2-6; Jas 3.5-12. Those who gossip and tell lies
are under God's curse,
because they have brought ruin
to innocent people
14and forced many others
to leave home and country.
Such talk has been the downfall
of strong cities
and powerful leaders.
15Because of lies others told,
faithful, hard-working wives
have been divorced
and have lost everything#28.15 have been … everything: Often, only husbands had the right to divorce, and the wife usually had no claim on the family's property, possessions, or money.
16So if you want peace of mind,
don't listen to gossip!
17Whips leave painful stripes
on the skin,
but cruel words break bones
deep down inside
18and can be more deadly
than a sword.
* 19You should be happy
if you have never been attacked
with lies and gossip,
or felt them wrap around you
20like heavy bronze chains
or a collar#28.20 collar: Greek “yoke”; see the note at 26.7. made of iron.
21Cruel words cause suffering#28.21 suffering: Greek “evil death.”
worse than death itself.
22Although they are fiery flames,
they cannot harm
God's faithful people,
23but those who reject him
will be burned to ashes.
And these cruel words
are like lions and leopards,
hunting down their victims
and tearing them apart.
24You protect your land
with a hedge of thornbushes
and you keep your money
locked away safely.
25Be just as careful
to guard what you say.
Always think before you speak,
and know when to be silent,
26so that others cannot attack you
for what you have said.
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Sirach 28: CEVDCI
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Contemporary English Version, Second Edition (CEV®)
© 2006 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.