Sirach 11:17 - The gift of the Lord remains with the godly, And his good pleasure will prosper forever.

Generated Verse: Sirach 11:17

What does "Sirach 11:17" mean?


Sirach 11:17, "The gift of the Lord remains with the godly, And his good pleasure will prosper forever," can be interpreted in a few ways, but the core meaning revolves around God's blessing and favor enduring with those who live righteously. Here's a breakdown:

"The gift of the Lord remains with the godly": This suggests that those who live according to God's will and are devoted to Him receive and retain blessings, favor, or a lasting inheritance from Him. "Gift" here is broad and can mean not just material possessions, but also things like wisdom, peace, joy, protection, and spiritual blessings. The emphasis is on the permanence of this gift; it's not fleeting.

"And his good pleasure will prosper forever": This means God's favor, goodwill, and delight ("good pleasure") toward the godly will lead to continued success, growth, and well-being ("prosper"). Again, the key is the enduring nature of this prosperity - it's not a temporary upswing but a lasting state.

Overall Meaning:

The verse is a statement of divine promise and assurance. It highlights that living a godly life (being righteous and devoted to God) is not in vain. Rather, it's a path that leads to receiving and maintaining God's gifts and blessings, and that His favor will result in continual prosperity for those who follow Him. It connects righteousness with lasting reward and divine favor.

Possible Interpretations and Nuances:

Emphasis on Perseverance: The phrase "remains with" and "prosper forever" suggest that maintaining a godly life is crucial. The benefits are not a one-time event but depend on sustained righteousness.
Not a Guarantee of Material Wealth: While "prosper" can sometimes refer to material wealth, it's important to understand that Sirach (and the Bible in general) often speaks of a more holistic prosperity, including spiritual well-being, peace of mind, and strong relationships.
Contrast with the Ungodly: The verse implicitly contrasts the fate of the righteous with that of the wicked. It suggests that worldly success obtained through unrighteous means is fleeting, while the blessings of the godly endure.

In summary, Sirach 11:17 is a comforting and encouraging verse. It promises that those who strive to live righteously will experience God's enduring favor and a lasting legacy of blessing.