Sirach 13:1 - He that touches pitch will be defiled; And he that has fellowship with a proud man will become like to him.

Generated Verse: Sirach 13:1

What does "Sirach 13:1" mean?


This verse from Sirach 13:1 uses a vivid image to illustrate the concept of influence and association. Let's break it down:

"He that touches pitch will be defiled..." Pitch is a dark, sticky, and dirty substance (like tar). The idea is that even a brief contact with it will leave you stained and unclean. This is a metaphor for how easily we can be negatively affected by undesirable things or people.

"...And he that has fellowship with a proud man will become like to him." This reinforces the first part with a specific example. "Fellowship" implies close association, spending time with someone, and sharing their company. A "proud man" in this context likely refers to someone who is arrogant, boastful, conceited, and perhaps even overbearing. The verse suggests that being around someone who is like that will, over time, rub off on you. You'll likely start to adopt some of their proud or arrogant characteristics.

In essence, the verse is saying:

Bad company corrupts good morals. The people we surround ourselves with have a powerful influence on our character and behavior.
Be careful who you associate with. Choose your friends and acquaintances wisely, as their attitudes and actions can impact your own.
Negative influences can be subtle but pervasive. Just like pitch leaves a stain, negative behaviors and attitudes can gradually affect us without us even realizing it.

The verse serves as a warning to be discerning in our relationships and to avoid those who possess negative traits that could ultimately corrupt our own character. It underscores the importance of surrounding ourselves with positive influences and people of good character.

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