This verse from Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 38:1, a book in the Apocrypha of the Old Testament, essentially means:
Give doctors the respect and payment they deserve because God created them and their ability to heal.
Let's break it down:
"Honor a physician according to your need of him with the honors due to him": This calls for respecting and compensating doctors appropriately. The degree of honor/compensation should reflect the value of their services to you. It's not just about being polite; it's about acknowledging the importance of their role and their expertise.
"For verily the Lord has created him": This is the rationale behind the instruction. It's not just a matter of practicality; it's a matter of faith. The verse asserts that God is the ultimate source of healing and that doctors are instruments of God in this process. Their skills and knowledge are seen as gifts from God. Therefore, respecting and supporting them is, in a way, honoring God's work.
In essence, the verse teaches:
Recognition of the value of medical professionals: They deserve respect and fair treatment.
Proper compensation: Paying them fairly for their services is essential.
Divine connection: God is the source of healing, and doctors are part of God's plan to provide that healing.
Importance of Context:
It's important to remember that Sirach was written in a different time and context. While the message of respecting doctors remains relevant, the specific ways that respect and compensation are shown may vary depending on cultural norms and healthcare systems. It is not necessarily a reflection of modern discussions about the ethics of the medical field, insurance, or access to healthcare. Instead, it establishes a historical and religious framework for the role of the doctor in society.
This verse from Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 38:1, a book in the Apocrypha of the Old Testament, essentially means:
Give doctors the respect and payment they deserve because God created them and their ability to heal.
Let's break it down:
"Honor a physician according to your need of him with the honors due to him": This calls for respecting and compensating doctors appropriately. The degree of honor/compensation should reflect the value of their services to you. It's not just about being polite; it's about acknowledging the importance of their role and their expertise.
"For verily the Lord has created him": This is the rationale behind the instruction. It's not just a matter of practicality; it's a matter of faith. The verse asserts that God is the ultimate source of healing and that doctors are instruments of God in this process. Their skills and knowledge are seen as gifts from God. Therefore, respecting and supporting them is, in a way, honoring God's work.
In essence, the verse teaches:
Recognition of the value of medical professionals: They deserve respect and fair treatment.
Proper compensation: Paying them fairly for their services is essential.
Divine connection: God is the source of healing, and doctors are part of God's plan to provide that healing.
Importance of Context:
It's important to remember that Sirach was written in a different time and context. While the message of respecting doctors remains relevant, the specific ways that respect and compensation are shown may vary depending on cultural norms and healthcare systems. It is not necessarily a reflection of modern discussions about the ethics of the medical field, insurance, or access to healthcare. Instead, it establishes a historical and religious framework for the role of the doctor in society.