Sirach 12:5 - Do good to one that is lowly, And give not to an ungodly man: Keep back his bread, and give it not to him, Lest he overmaster you thereby: For you will receive twice as much evil For all the good you will have done to him.
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What does "Sirach 12:5" mean?
Sirach 12:5 is a rather harsh and controversial verse. Let's break down what it seems to be saying and explore its context:
"Do good to one that is lowly...": This part encourages kindness and generosity towards those who are humble, poor, or less fortunate.
"...And give not to an ungodly man:": This is where it gets tricky. "Ungodly" is a value judgment, implying someone who doesn't adhere to religious or moral principles of the author. The verse advises against helping such a person.
"Keep back his bread, and give it not to him, Lest he overmaster you thereby:": This suggests that providing for the "ungodly" could lead to them gaining power or influence over you. The fear is that they might take advantage of your generosity or use the resources you provide for harmful purposes.
"For you will receive twice as much evil For all the good you will have done to him.": This is the most unsettling part. It claims that helping an "ungodly" person will ultimately result in a net loss, with the recipient repaying your kindness with more evil than the good you provided.
Interpretation and Context:
Pragmatic Wisdom: Sirach, also known as Ecclesiasticus, is part of the wisdom literature of the Old Testament Apocrypha. It often focuses on practical advice for living a good and successful life. This verse can be interpreted as a pragmatic warning: be careful whom you help, as some people are not deserving and might exploit you.
Social Hierarchy and Morality: The verse reflects a worldview where societal order and moral uprightness are closely linked. The "ungodly" are seen as a threat to this order, and helping them is seen as enabling their destructive behavior.
Potential for Misinterpretation: This verse is often criticized because it can be used to justify selfishness, prejudice, and withholding help from those in need. It seems to contradict the broader message of compassion and charity found in other parts of the Bible.
Hyperbole: Some scholars believe the language in the last part of the verse to be hyperbole used for emphasis and to underscore the risks of helping those deemed "ungodly".
Important Considerations:
Moral Implications: The verse raises important questions about the limits of charity. Should we only help those who are "deserving" according to our own moral standards? What responsibility do we have to help even those who might use our help for questionable purposes?
Other Biblical Teachings: It's essential to interpret this verse in light of other biblical teachings about love, compassion, and forgiveness. Jesus, for example, encouraged his followers to love their enemies and do good to those who persecute them.
Personal Judgment: The interpretation of "ungodly" is subjective and could be influenced by personal biases.
In conclusion, Sirach 12:5 presents a cautionary perspective on generosity, warning against helping those who are deemed "ungodly." However, its harsh tone and potential for misuse make it a controversial passage that must be interpreted carefully within the broader context of biblical teachings and ethical principles. It highlights the tension between practical wisdom and unconditional love, prompting reflection on the nature and limits of charity.
Sirach 12:5 - Do good to one that is lowly, And give not to an ungodly man: Keep back his bread, and give it not to him, Lest he overmaster you thereby: For you will receive twice as much evil For all the good you will have done to him.
What does "Sirach 12:5" mean?
Sirach 12:5 is a rather harsh and controversial verse. Let's break down what it seems to be saying and explore its context:
"Do good to one that is lowly...": This part encourages kindness and generosity towards those who are humble, poor, or less fortunate.
"...And give not to an ungodly man:": This is where it gets tricky. "Ungodly" is a value judgment, implying someone who doesn't adhere to religious or moral principles of the author. The verse advises against helping such a person.
"Keep back his bread, and give it not to him, Lest he overmaster you thereby:": This suggests that providing for the "ungodly" could lead to them gaining power or influence over you. The fear is that they might take advantage of your generosity or use the resources you provide for harmful purposes.
"For you will receive twice as much evil For all the good you will have done to him.": This is the most unsettling part. It claims that helping an "ungodly" person will ultimately result in a net loss, with the recipient repaying your kindness with more evil than the good you provided.
Interpretation and Context:
Pragmatic Wisdom: Sirach, also known as Ecclesiasticus, is part of the wisdom literature of the Old Testament Apocrypha. It often focuses on practical advice for living a good and successful life. This verse can be interpreted as a pragmatic warning: be careful whom you help, as some people are not deserving and might exploit you.
Social Hierarchy and Morality: The verse reflects a worldview where societal order and moral uprightness are closely linked. The "ungodly" are seen as a threat to this order, and helping them is seen as enabling their destructive behavior.
Potential for Misinterpretation: This verse is often criticized because it can be used to justify selfishness, prejudice, and withholding help from those in need. It seems to contradict the broader message of compassion and charity found in other parts of the Bible.
Hyperbole: Some scholars believe the language in the last part of the verse to be hyperbole used for emphasis and to underscore the risks of helping those deemed "ungodly".
Important Considerations:
Moral Implications: The verse raises important questions about the limits of charity. Should we only help those who are "deserving" according to our own moral standards? What responsibility do we have to help even those who might use our help for questionable purposes?
Other Biblical Teachings: It's essential to interpret this verse in light of other biblical teachings about love, compassion, and forgiveness. Jesus, for example, encouraged his followers to love their enemies and do good to those who persecute them.
Personal Judgment: The interpretation of "ungodly" is subjective and could be influenced by personal biases.
In conclusion, Sirach 12:5 presents a cautionary perspective on generosity, warning against helping those who are deemed "ungodly." However, its harsh tone and potential for misuse make it a controversial passage that must be interpreted carefully within the broader context of biblical teachings and ethical principles. It highlights the tension between practical wisdom and unconditional love, prompting reflection on the nature and limits of charity.