Sirach 12:16 - And the enemy will speak sweetly with his lips, And in his heart take counsel how to overthrow you into a pit: The enemy will weep with his eyes, And if he find opportunity, he will not be satiated with blood.

Generated Verse: Sirach 12:16

What does "Sirach 12:16" mean?


Sirach 12:16 speaks to the deceptive nature of an enemy, highlighting their manipulative tactics and ruthless intentions. Let's break down the meaning:

"And the enemy will speak sweetly with his lips, And in his heart take counsel how to overthrow you into a pit:" This describes the enemy's use of flattery and charm as a disguise. Their words are pleasing and reassuring on the surface, but their true intentions are malicious. While appearing friendly, they are secretly plotting your downfall, aiming to throw you into a "pit" – a metaphor for ruin, despair, or destruction.

"The enemy will weep with his eyes, And if he find opportunity, he will not be satiated with blood." The enemy is portrayed as being capable of feigning sorrow or remorse to gain your trust or lower your guard. They might even shed tears (crocodile tears), creating a false sense of empathy. However, this is merely a facade. If given the chance, they will not hesitate to harm you severely; they are insatiable in their desire for your destruction ("not be satiated with blood").

In essence, the verse warns against trusting appearances and being wary of those who seem overly kind or sympathetic, especially if you have reason to suspect their motives. It emphasizes the importance of discernment and caution in dealing with potential adversaries, as their true intentions may be masked by deceitful behavior. The message underscores the danger of naivety and the need to recognize that some people are capable of great treachery, even when presenting a friendly face.