Catholic Commentary on Sirach 8

"Do not slight an old person, for some of us are also growing old." (Sirach 8:6)

Prudent Conduct

Do not contend with the powerful, or you may fall into their hands. Do not quarrel with the rich, in case they tip the scales against you. Do not strive with a person full of cunning. Do not slight an old person, for some of us are also growing old. Do not be glad at anyone's death; remember that we all must die. Do not neglect the discourse of the wise, but busy yourself with their maxims; from them you will learn discipline and how to serve rightly. Do not neglect the discourse of the elderly, for they themselves learned from their parents; from them you will learn how to understand and give an answer when the need arises.

The Catechism identifies respect for the elderly as the social expression of the commandment to honour father and mother, extending the duty of honour to old age in general (CCC 2218).

Living the Word

Brothers and sisters, do not slight an old person, for some of us are also growing old. The aged person you discount today is the person you will become. The culture that disrespects its elderly has not yet understood what it means to be human across time. Revere those who are ahead of you on the road. They know what you do not yet know.

Prayer

Lord God, keep us from slighting the old, for we are all growing old. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

8
1 Strive not with a powerful man, lest thou fall into his hands. 2 Contend not with a rich man, lest he bring an action against thee. 3 For gold and silver hath destroyed many, and hath reached even to the heart of kings, and perverted them. 4 Strive not with a man that is full of tongue, and heap not wood upon his fire. 5 Communicate not with an ignorant man, lest he speak ill of thy family. 6 Despise not a man that turneth away from sin, nor reproach him therewith: remember that we are all worthy of reproof. 7 Despise not a man in his old age; for we also shall become old. 8 Rejoice not at the death of thy enemy; knowing that we all die, and are not willing that others should rejoice at our death. 9 Despise not the discourse of them that are ancient and wise, but acquaint thyself with their proverbs. 10 For of them thou shalt learn wisdom, and instruction of understanding, and to serve great men without blame. 11 Let not the discourse of the ancients escape thee, for they have learned of their fathers: 12 For of them thou shalt learn understanding, and to give an answer in time of need. 13 Kindle not the coals of sinners by rebuking them, lest thou be burnt with the flame of the fire of their sins. 14 Stand not against the face of an injurious person, lest he sit as a spy to entrap thee in thy words. 15 Lend not to a man that is mightier than thyself: and if thou lendest, count it as lost. 16 Be not surety above thy power: and if thou be surety, think as if thou wert to pay it. 17 Judge not against a judge: for he judgeth according to that which is just. 18 Go not on the way with a bold man, lest he burden thee with his evils: for he goeth according to his own will, and thou shalt perish together with his folly. 19 Quarrel not with a passionate man, and go not into the desert with a bold man: for blood is as nothing in his sight, and where there is no help he will overthrow thee. 20 Advise not with fools, for they cannot love but such things as please them. 21 Before a stranger do no matter of counsel: for thou knowest not what he will bring forth. 22 Open not thy heart to every man: lest he repay thee with an evil turn, and speak reproachfully to thee.

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