This verse from Sirach 13:7 warns against becoming overly reliant on the generosity of a wealthy person. Let's break down the meaning:
"And he will shame you by his meats...": This refers to the wealthy person's food, likely lavish meals they offer. The "shame" implies a sense of obligation or indebtedness. They might be generous, but this generosity comes at the cost of your dignity. You become dependent and feel inferior because of their wealth.
"Until he have made you bare twice or thrice...": This signifies repeated instances of the wealthy person taking advantage of your dependence, making you vulnerable. "Bare" can refer to financial impoverishment (losing what little you have), but also to a loss of self-respect and independence. The "twice or thrice" suggests a pattern of exploitation.
"And at the last he will laugh you to scorn:": Ultimately, after using your dependence to their advantage, the wealthy person will mock you. Their initial generosity was not genuine kindness but a means to elevate themselves by belittling you.
"Afterward will he see you, and will forsake you, And shake his head at you.": This is the final act of betrayal. Once you've outlived your usefulness, they will acknowledge you (see you), but then abandon you. The "shaking his head" signifies their disdain and judgment.
In essence, the verse warns against the dangers of seeking favor or becoming overly dependent on wealthy individuals. What might seem like a beneficial relationship can easily turn into exploitation, humiliation, and eventual abandonment. It advocates for self-reliance and warns that seeking validation or sustenance from those who have power over you is a risky proposition, as their generosity can be conditional and ultimately demeaning. The person giving such generosity may be doing it to feel superior to you, not out of genuine care.
This verse from Sirach 13:7 warns against becoming overly reliant on the generosity of a wealthy person. Let's break down the meaning:
"And he will shame you by his meats...": This refers to the wealthy person's food, likely lavish meals they offer. The "shame" implies a sense of obligation or indebtedness. They might be generous, but this generosity comes at the cost of your dignity. You become dependent and feel inferior because of their wealth.
"Until he have made you bare twice or thrice...": This signifies repeated instances of the wealthy person taking advantage of your dependence, making you vulnerable. "Bare" can refer to financial impoverishment (losing what little you have), but also to a loss of self-respect and independence. The "twice or thrice" suggests a pattern of exploitation.
"And at the last he will laugh you to scorn:": Ultimately, after using your dependence to their advantage, the wealthy person will mock you. Their initial generosity was not genuine kindness but a means to elevate themselves by belittling you.
"Afterward will he see you, and will forsake you, And shake his head at you.": This is the final act of betrayal. Once you've outlived your usefulness, they will acknowledge you (see you), but then abandon you. The "shaking his head" signifies their disdain and judgment.
In essence, the verse warns against the dangers of seeking favor or becoming overly dependent on wealthy individuals. What might seem like a beneficial relationship can easily turn into exploitation, humiliation, and eventual abandonment. It advocates for self-reliance and warns that seeking validation or sustenance from those who have power over you is a risky proposition, as their generosity can be conditional and ultimately demeaning. The person giving such generosity may be doing it to feel superior to you, not out of genuine care.