Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) — Chapter 41
Chapter 41 treats death: to whom it is bitter (the prosperous), to whom it is welcome (the poor and suffering), and why one should not fear it (vv. 1-5). Then Lapide expounds the fate of impious sons and the curse that follows impiety through generations (vv. 8-13). The second half of the chapter (vv. 17-28) gives a catalogue of things that bring justified shame.
Verse 1
O death, how bitter is the memory of thee to a man that hath peace in his possessions! To a man that is at rest and whose ways are prosperous, and that is yet able to receive meat. Death is bitter to the man who has found earthly happiness and comfort. Lapide uses this to motivate Christian detachment from earthly goods: the man whose heart is set on God finds death sweet, not bitter.
Verse 3
O death, thy judgment is welcome to the man that is in need, and to him whose strength faileth. Death is welcome to those burdened by poverty, illness, and old age. Lapide treats this as a consolation for the suffering: death is not an enemy for those who have already suffered the worst that life can offer.
Verse 5
Fear not the judgment of death; remember what things have been before thee, and what shall come after thee; this judgment is from the Lord upon all flesh. The death of all is God's universal judgment; do not fear it singularly. Lapide teaches the proper Christian attitude toward death: not fear but acceptance of God's universal law, trustfully.
Verse 8
Children of sinners become the offspring of disgrace, and they dwell near to wicked houses. The social and spiritual consequences of impiety fall upon the children of sinners. Lapide treats this as the social dimension of original sin: the corruption of parents tends to corrupt their children and their descendants.
Verse 15
Take care of a good name; for this shall continue with thee more than a thousand precious and great treasures. Good reputation outlasts all material wealth. Lapide treats the cultivation of good name as a duty of justice and charity: one owes it to God, to one's community, and to posterity.
Verse 17
Have shame of these things I am about to tell you: of fornication before father and mother; of a lie before a prince and a mighty man. The catalogue of justified shameful acts begins. Lapide systematically expounds each item in the catalogue (fornication, lying, theft, pride, violation of legal oaths, rudeness, gossip) as actions that properly ought to cause shame before God and men.