Sirach – Chapter 36

Old Testament28 Verses

1Have mercy upon us, O God of all, and behold us, and shew us the light of thy mercies:

2And send thy fear upon the nations, that have not sought after thee: that they may know that there is no God beside thee, and that they may shew forth thy wonders.

3Lift up thy hand over the strange nations, that they may see thy power.

4For as thou hast been sanctified in us in their sight, so thou shalt be magnified among them in our presence,

5That they may know thee, as we also have known thee, that there is no God beside thee, O Lord.

6Renew thy signs, and work new miracles.

7Glorify thy hand, and thy right arm.

8Raise up indignation, and pour out wrath.

9Take away the adversary, and crush the enemy.

10Hasten the time, and remember the end, that they may declare thy wonderful works.

11Let him that escapeth be consumed by the rage of the fire: and let them perish that oppress thy people.

12Crush the head of the princes of the enemies that say: There is no other beside us.

13Gather together all the tribes of Jacob: that they may know that there no God besides thee, and may declare thy great works: and thou shalt inherit them as from the beginning.

14Have mercy on thy people, upon whom thy name is invoked: and upon Israel, whom thou hast raised up to be thy firstborn.

15Have mercy on Jerusalem, the city which thou hast sanctified, the city of thy rest.

16Fill Sion with thy unspeakable words, and thy people with thy glory.

17Give testimony to them that are thy creatures from the beginning, and raise up the prophecies which the former prophets spoke in thy name.

18Reward them that patiently wait for thee, that thy prophets may be found faithful: and hear the prayers of thy servants,

19According to the blessing of Aaron over thy people, and direct us into the way of justice, and let all know that dwell upon the earth, that thou art God the beholder of all ages.

20The belly will devour all meat, yet one is better than another.

21The palate tasteth venison and the wise heart false speeches.

22A perverse heart will cause grief, and a man of experience will resist it.

23A woman will receive every man: yet one daughter is better than another.

24The beauty of a woman cheereth the countenance of her husband, and a man desireth nothing more.

25If she have a tongue that can cure, and likewise mitigate and shew mercy: her husband is not like other men.

26He that possesseth a good wife, beginneth a possession: she is a help like to himself, and a pillar of rest.

27Where there is no hedge, the possession shall be spoiled: and where there is no wife, he mourneth that is in want.

28Who will trust him that hath no rest, and that lodgeth wheresoever the night taketh him, as a robber well appointed, that skippeth from city to city.

Reflection for Today

In Sirach Chapter 36, we encounter the continuing revelation of practical wisdom and fear of the Lord. The Catholic Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, has always treasured these sacred texts. this deuterocanonical book provides guidance for daily life (CIC 1806). The central message—All wisdom comes from the Lord—speaks to believers in every age.

The Magisterium teaches that Scripture must be interpreted in light of the whole of revelation and the Church's living Tradition. The Catechism emphasizes that "the task of giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God has been entrusted to the living teaching office of the Church alone" (CIC 85). This does not limit our engagement with Scripture but ensures its proper understanding.

As you reflect on this chapter, consider how its message applies to your life today. The Word of God is living and active, capable of transforming hearts and renewing minds. Through prayer and meditation, allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you through these ancient yet ever-new words.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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