Sirach 13:4 - If you be profitable, he will make merchandise of you; And if you be in lack, he will forsake you.
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What does "Sirach 13:4" mean?
This verse from Sirach 13:4 speaks about the unreliable nature of friendships based solely on self-interest. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"If you be profitable, he will make merchandise of you": This means if you have something to offer, such as wealth, status, or connections, a self-serving "friend" will exploit you for their own gain. They will see you as a commodity to be used and manipulated. The phrase "make merchandise of you" suggests that they will treat you as an object to be bought and sold or used for profit, rather than a person with inherent value.
"And if you be in lack, he will forsake you": Conversely, if you fall on hard times and lose your wealth or influence, this same "friend" will abandon you. They are only interested in associating with those who can benefit them. They will distance themselves because you are no longer useful to them and may even be seen as a burden.
In essence, the verse warns against trusting those who only associate with you for what they can get out of the relationship. True friendship is not conditional on material gain or status.
Sirach 13:4 - If you be profitable, he will make merchandise of you; And if you be in lack, he will forsake you.
What does "Sirach 13:4" mean?
This verse from Sirach 13:4 speaks about the unreliable nature of friendships based solely on self-interest. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"If you be profitable, he will make merchandise of you": This means if you have something to offer, such as wealth, status, or connections, a self-serving "friend" will exploit you for their own gain. They will see you as a commodity to be used and manipulated. The phrase "make merchandise of you" suggests that they will treat you as an object to be bought and sold or used for profit, rather than a person with inherent value.
"And if you be in lack, he will forsake you": Conversely, if you fall on hard times and lose your wealth or influence, this same "friend" will abandon you. They are only interested in associating with those who can benefit them. They will distance themselves because you are no longer useful to them and may even be seen as a burden.
In essence, the verse warns against trusting those who only associate with you for what they can get out of the relationship. True friendship is not conditional on material gain or status.