Ben Sira 21:9-11
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
9 A band of criminals is like a bundle of tow;
they will end in a flaming fire.(A)
10 The path of sinners is smooth stones,
but its end is the pit of Sheol.[a]
The Wise and Foolish: A Contrast[b]
11 Those who keep the Law control their thoughts;
perfect fear of the Lord is wisdom.
Footnotes
- 21:10 The path of sinners…Sheol: Ben Sira refers to the death that awaits unrepentant sinners; see notes on 11:26–28; 17:24–32.
- 21:11–28 The mind of the wise is a fountain of knowledge (vv. 13, 15); their will is trained to keep the Law (v. 11); their words are gracious, valued, carefully weighed, sincere (vv. 16–17, 25–26); their conduct is respectful, cultured and restrained (vv. 20, 22–24). The mind of the foolish is devoid of knowledge and impenetrable to it (vv. 12, 14, 18–19); their will rejects it (v. 15); their talk is burdensome (v. 16), their laughter unrestrained (v. 20), their conversation shallow and meddlesome (vv. 25–26); their conduct is bold and rude (vv. 22–24); their abuse of others redounds on themselves (vv. 27–28).
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