Sirach 27:30—28:7
Chapter 27
30
Revenge
Grudge and wrath, these are also abominations in which sinful people excel.Chapter 28
1
He who seeks revenge will face the vengeance of the Lord, who keeps a strict record of sins.
2
Forgive your neighbor’s mistakes, and you may ask for your sins to be forgiven.
3
If a person holds resentment against another, how can he ask God for healing?
4
If he lacks compassion for others, how can he pray for forgiveness for his sins?
5
As long as he, a mere flesh, remains resentful, who will grant him pardon?
6
Remember your mortality and give up hatred; keep in mind your eventual decay in the grave and follow the commandments.
7
Remember the commandments and do not hold grudges against your neighbor. Recall the Covenant with the Most High and overlook offenses.
Commentaries
Revenge.
It emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and mercy toward others. This reflects the core of one of the petitions in the Lord’s Prayer: “forgive us as we forgive those who trespass against us,” which is illustrated by one of the most beautiful parables about the forgiveness we constantly need and must also continually extend to our neighbor (cf. Mt 6:12.14f).