Sirach 11:18 - There is that waxes rich by his wariness and pinching, And this is the portion of his reward:

Generated Verse: Sirach 11:18

What does "Sirach 11:18" mean?


Sirach 11:18 reads: "There is that waxes rich by his wariness and pinching, and this is the portion of his reward:"

This verse speaks about someone who becomes wealthy through excessive caution, meticulousness, and stinginess ("wariness and pinching"). Let's break it down:

"There is that waxes rich by his wariness and pinching..." This describes a person who grows wealthy not through hard work or talent, but through extreme carefulness and frugality. They're likely always looking for the best deals, avoiding any risks, and hoarding their money. "Pinching" suggests they are miserly, unwilling to spend even on necessary things.

"...and this is the portion of his reward:" This phrase is a bit ironic and often interpreted negatively. It suggests that their wealth, gained through such an ungenerous lifestyle, is the only reward they receive.

Therefore, the verse implies that:

This person achieves financial success, but at a cost. Their focus on saving and avoiding spending might come at the expense of enjoying life, building relationships, or being generous to others.
Their "reward" is a limited one. They have material wealth, but they may lack other, more meaningful rewards like happiness, friendship, or a sense of purpose. The verse hints that the wealth itself might be a rather empty reward in the grand scheme of things.

In essence, the verse serves as a cautionary tale. It warns against prioritizing wealth above all else, especially if it requires a life of constant anxiety and a lack of generosity. It suggests that true rewards in life extend beyond mere financial gain.

What categories does "Sirach 11:18" have?