Sirach 10:27 - Better is he that labores, and abounds in all things, Than he that glorifieth himself, and lacketh bread.

Generated Verse: Sirach 10:27

What does "Sirach 10:27" mean?


Sirach 10:27 (or Ecclesiasticus 10:27, as it's sometimes called) essentially means:

It's better to be a hardworking, successful person who has plenty, than a proud, boastful person who is poor and struggling.

Let's break it down:

"Better is he that labores, and abounds in all things..." This refers to someone who works hard (labores) and is prosperous or has an abundance of what they need (abounds in all things). This emphasizes the value of diligence and the positive results of hard work.
"...Than he that glorifieth himself, and lacketh bread." This describes someone who is boastful and full of pride (glorifieth himself), yet lacks basic necessities like food (lacketh bread), which represents a general lack of material well-being.

The verse highlights a key contrast:

The verse is not against having pride in one's work or accomplishments. However, it emphasizes the importance of substance over mere appearances. It's better to have achieved something real and tangible (the abundance resulting from labor) than to simply brag about oneself without having any real success or stability.

Underlying message:

Humility and hard work are valued: The verse suggests that genuine success comes from diligence and effort, and it's more desirable than empty pride or self-aggrandizement.
Practicality and material well-being matter: While spiritual qualities are important, the verse doesn't dismiss the importance of having one's basic needs met and achieving a level of prosperity.

In short, the verse is a piece of practical wisdom, advising people to focus on earning an honest living and building a solid foundation rather than being arrogant and relying on empty boasts.

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