Sirach 14:11, "My son, according as you have, do well to yourself, And bring offerings to the Lord worthily," is offering practical advice about balancing self-care with religious devotion. Let's break it down:
"My son, according as you have, do well to yourself..." This part advises to take care of your own needs and well-being, in proportion to what you possess. In other words:
Don't deprive yourself. Enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Be reasonable and proportionate. Don't be extravagant if you have limited resources. Live within your means and enjoy what you legitimately have.
Prioritize self-care. Taking care of yourself (physically, mentally, etc.) is important and acceptable.
"...And bring offerings to the Lord worthily." This part encourages religious devotion, while still emphasizing proportion and suitability.
Offerings are expected. The text assumes a responsibility to give back to God.
"Worthily" is key. It doesn't demand sacrificing everything to God. Instead, it suggests that offerings should be:
Appropriate to your means: Give what you can afford without impoverishing yourself.
Given with sincerity and a good heart: The intention behind the offering is important, not just the monetary value.
Of good quality: Offer the best you can reasonably give, not something you've discarded or wouldn't want yourself.
In essence, the verse encourages a balanced approach to life:
Don't be stingy with yourself. Enjoy the blessings you have.
Don't neglect your responsibilities to God. Give back in a meaningful way.
Do both in moderation and according to your means.
The verse is not advocating selfishness or greed, nor is it advocating extreme self-denial for the sake of religious piety. Instead, it's promoting a healthy, responsible, and balanced lifestyle where personal well-being and religious devotion coexist harmoniously. The key is to act in proportion to what you have, both in taking care of yourself and in giving to God.
Sirach 14:11, "My son, according as you have, do well to yourself, And bring offerings to the Lord worthily," is offering practical advice about balancing self-care with religious devotion. Let's break it down:
"My son, according as you have, do well to yourself..." This part advises to take care of your own needs and well-being, in proportion to what you possess. In other words:
Don't deprive yourself. Enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Be reasonable and proportionate. Don't be extravagant if you have limited resources. Live within your means and enjoy what you legitimately have.
Prioritize self-care. Taking care of yourself (physically, mentally, etc.) is important and acceptable.
"...And bring offerings to the Lord worthily." This part encourages religious devotion, while still emphasizing proportion and suitability.
Offerings are expected. The text assumes a responsibility to give back to God.
"Worthily" is key. It doesn't demand sacrificing everything to God. Instead, it suggests that offerings should be:
Appropriate to your means: Give what you can afford without impoverishing yourself.
Given with sincerity and a good heart: The intention behind the offering is important, not just the monetary value.
Of good quality: Offer the best you can reasonably give, not something you've discarded or wouldn't want yourself.
In essence, the verse encourages a balanced approach to life:
Don't be stingy with yourself. Enjoy the blessings you have.
Don't neglect your responsibilities to God. Give back in a meaningful way.
Do both in moderation and according to your means.
The verse is not advocating selfishness or greed, nor is it advocating extreme self-denial for the sake of religious piety. Instead, it's promoting a healthy, responsible, and balanced lifestyle where personal well-being and religious devotion coexist harmoniously. The key is to act in proportion to what you have, both in taking care of yourself and in giving to God.