Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) — Chapter 21

Hast thou sinned? Do so no more; but for thy former sins also pray that they may be forgiven thee. The first principle of Christian moral recovery: after sin, cease and pray. Lapide cites Christ's healing commands to those He cured: \"Go and sin no more\" (John 5:14; 8:11).

Flee from sins as from the face of a serpent; for if thou comest near them, they will take hold of thee. Sin must be fled, not merely avoided: the image of the serpent implies that even proximity is dangerous. Lapide cites the spiritual fathers: where sin is present, flee first and argue later.

The prayer of one that humbleth himself shall pierce the clouds; and till it come nigh, he will not be comforted. The humble prayer of the afflicted penetrates the clouds and reaches God. Lapide connects this to Luke 18:1-8 (the importunate widow) as the supreme example of humble perseverance in prayer.

The way of sinners is made plain with stones, and at the end of it is the lower hell and darkness and pains. The easy road of sin—paved with pleasure—ends in hell and darkness. Lapide uses this as a sobering counterpoint to the ease of the sinful way: what appears smooth actually leads to destruction.

Whoso keepeth the law shall have wisdom in abundance. Observance of the divine law is the path to wisdom. Lapide treats \"the law\" comprehensively: natural law, divine law, and ultimately the law of Christ.

The knowledge of a wise man shall abound like a flood, and his counsel continueth like a fountain of life. The wise man's knowledge flows like a perennial river that nourishes all who drink from it. Lapide applies this to the great theological doctors—Augustine, Thomas, and others—whose teaching continues to nourish the Church.

The heart of a fool is like a broken vessel, and no wisdom at all shall it hold. The foolish heart cannot retain wisdom because it is cracked by sin and sensuality. Lapide uses this image to explain why repeated instruction of the foolish produces no lasting effect.