“A work is praised
For the skill of the artisan.
Thus a people’s leader
Is proved wise
By his words.
The loud of mouth
Are feared in their city.
The one who is reckless
In speech
Is hated.”
We praise the work of an artisan craftsman. So too, we praise the wise words of a leader. On the other hand, the loud-mouthed are feared in their city. We hate them for their reckless speech.
“Do not contend with the powerful.
Otherwise you may fall into their hands.
Do not quarrel with the rich.
Otherwise their resources may outweigh yours.
Gold has ruined many.
Gold has perverted the minds of kings.
Do not argue with the loud of mouth.
Do not heap wood on their fire.”
Sirach has some common sense prudent statements about life. Do not argue with powerful people or you might fall into their hands. Do not quarrel with the rich because they have more resources than you have. Don’t let your life be ruined by gold, as some kings have. Don’t argue with loud-mouthed people because you are only putting more wood on their fire.
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 