Sirach 12:11 - Though he humble himself, and go crouching, Yet take good heed, and beware of him, And you will be to him as one that has wiped a mirror, And you will know that he has not utterly rusted it.
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What does "Sirach 12:11" mean?
This verse from Sirach 12:11 is a warning about dealing with a deceitful or untrustworthy person, even when they appear to be humble and submissive. Let's break it down:
"Though he humble himself, and go crouching..." This describes someone acting in a subservient, even demeaning, manner. They might be overly agreeable, excessively polite, or seem to be repenting for past wrongdoings. This is all an act.
"...Yet take good heed, and beware of him..." Despite the show of humility, the advice is to remain cautious and vigilant. Don't be fooled by their apparent change of heart. Doubt their motives.
"...And you will be to him as one that has wiped a mirror..." This is a metaphorical image. The "mirror" represents the person's true character or intentions. By being observant and discerning (wiping the mirror), you can clear away the surface appearance of humility and see the true reflection beneath. Essentially, don't allow yourself to be charmed by the façade of humility.
"...And you will know that he has not utterly rusted it." "Rusted" suggests deep-seated corruption, evil intent, or lack of good intentions. The verse suggests that you can discern that the person has been completely honest with you.
In essence, the verse is saying:
Even if someone who has been untrustworthy appears to be repentant and humble, be very careful. By remaining alert and observant, you will be able to see through their pretense and determine whether their change is genuine or if they are still fundamentally deceitful. Don't be so quick to trust them.
Sirach 12:11 - Though he humble himself, and go crouching, Yet take good heed, and beware of him, And you will be to him as one that has wiped a mirror, And you will know that he has not utterly rusted it.
What does "Sirach 12:11" mean?
This verse from Sirach 12:11 is a warning about dealing with a deceitful or untrustworthy person, even when they appear to be humble and submissive. Let's break it down:
"Though he humble himself, and go crouching..." This describes someone acting in a subservient, even demeaning, manner. They might be overly agreeable, excessively polite, or seem to be repenting for past wrongdoings. This is all an act.
"...Yet take good heed, and beware of him..." Despite the show of humility, the advice is to remain cautious and vigilant. Don't be fooled by their apparent change of heart. Doubt their motives.
"...And you will be to him as one that has wiped a mirror..." This is a metaphorical image. The "mirror" represents the person's true character or intentions. By being observant and discerning (wiping the mirror), you can clear away the surface appearance of humility and see the true reflection beneath. Essentially, don't allow yourself to be charmed by the façade of humility.
"...And you will know that he has not utterly rusted it." "Rusted" suggests deep-seated corruption, evil intent, or lack of good intentions. The verse suggests that you can discern that the person has been completely honest with you.
In essence, the verse is saying:
Even if someone who has been untrustworthy appears to be repentant and humble, be very careful. By remaining alert and observant, you will be able to see through their pretense and determine whether their change is genuine or if they are still fundamentally deceitful. Don't be so quick to trust them.