October 9, 2020

BEFORE...

Sirach 18:18-20

Before you speak, learn,
And before you get sick, take care of your health.
Before you make a judgment, examine yourself closely,
And in the hour of visitation you will find atonement.
Before you become sick, humble yourself;
And at the time of sinning, prove your conversion.

Encouraging Words

Sirach is considered to be one of the wisdom books of the Old Testament. Like the Psalms, the Proverbs, and other wisdom books, it is full of guidance on how to live our lives in a godly way. This set of verses offers some sage advice. We are encouraged to learn before we speak, to take care of our health before we get sick, examine ourselves closely before we make a judgment, to humble ourselves before we become sick, and to prove our conversion, our faith when sinning is upon us. Wise words, especially in today's world. Glory be to God!