The Book of Sirach chapter 27 is full of wise sayings. Let us consider one of them: “When a sieve is shaken, the chaff appears; so do one’s faults when one speaks. (v4)” In biblical times and even today in certain parts of the world, a grain sieve is used to separate the grain from other matter after the harvest. A grain sieve is usually round, 2 to 3 feet in diameter. It is about 3-5 inches in height and is made from woven reeds, grass, or strips of wood. A measured amount of harvested wheat is placed in the grain sieve at a time and it is shaken vigorously in order to bring the chaff and other matter to the surface, while the wheat remains at the bottom. Thus, the chaff and other impurities are exposed to the surface. As an analogy, it is at times when a person speaks that his faults or sins are exposed.
What a person says and how he speaks tell a lot about that person, but the main point of this particular verse is that we should be careful of what we say, because many faults or sins can result from it:
- Lying – a person speaks falsehoods. Sometimes it is because the person wants to mislead others, sometimes it is because the person wants to hide something that he has done wrong.
- Backbiting – a person talks about others behind their backs, thereby damaging the reputation of others.
- Gossiping – a person spreads confidential, unnecessary, or hurtful information about others.
- Flattering – a person exaggerates the good qualities of others in order to ingratiate himself to them.
- Boasting – a person speaks pridefully about himself.
- Speaking rashly – a person speaks without thinking and often without having enough information.
- Quarreling – a person speaks in an opinionated way, attacks others personally, and provokes division.
- Cursing – a person uses curse words, wishing harm upon others.
- Speaking too much – a person talks excessively, often with idle talk or talking about persons or things he knows nothing about.
- Not speaking out – a person remains silent in situations when he should speak up, especially when he knows that someone is being accused unjustly, or when he withholds valuable information due to selfish reasons.
During this last Sunday of Ordinary Time before Lent, the readings remind us to be watchful of these very common but sinful behavior. A psalm of David teaches us to pray: “Set a guard, LORD, before my mouth, keep watch over the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3)