Sirach 15:3, "With bread of understanding will she feed him, And give him water of wisdom to drink," is a poetic and metaphorical statement about the benefits and rewards of seeking wisdom. Let's break it down:
"She": In the context of Sirach 14-15, "she" refers to wisdom itself (Sophia in Greek, Chokmah in Hebrew). Wisdom is personified as a nurturing figure.
"Bread of understanding": Bread is a staple food, essential for nourishment and sustenance. Here, "bread of understanding" signifies the essential, fundamental knowledge and insight that wisdom provides. Understanding is a deeper level of knowledge; it's not just knowing facts but also grasping their significance and application. It's the sustenance that feeds the mind and soul.
"Water of wisdom": Water is vital for life, providing cleansing, refreshment, and growth. Similarly, "water of wisdom" symbolizes the invigorating, refreshing, and life-giving nature of wisdom. Wisdom quenches the thirst for knowledge and provides clarity. It allows for spiritual and intellectual growth.
Overall Meaning:
The verse is saying that wisdom will provide those who seek her with essential understanding and invigorating insight. To break it down further, the person who commits to and seeks wisdom will:
Receive Essential Nourishment: Wisdom gives the fundamental knowledge and understanding necessary to navigate life successfully. It is the core substance needed for intellectual and spiritual flourishing.
Experience Refreshment and Growth: Wisdom is not just about learning facts, it is life giving; it refreshes the soul and promotes continuous growth.
Clarity of Mind: Like water cleanses, wisdom washes away the confusion and uncertainty, allowing one to see the world more clearly.
The verse emphasizes the transformative and life-sustaining power of wisdom, portraying it as a nurturing force that nourishes both the mind and spirit. It suggests that seeking wisdom is not merely an intellectual exercise but a pathway to a richer, more meaningful life.
Sirach 15:3, "With bread of understanding will she feed him, And give him water of wisdom to drink," is a poetic and metaphorical statement about the benefits and rewards of seeking wisdom. Let's break it down:
"She": In the context of Sirach 14-15, "she" refers to wisdom itself (Sophia in Greek, Chokmah in Hebrew). Wisdom is personified as a nurturing figure.
"Bread of understanding": Bread is a staple food, essential for nourishment and sustenance. Here, "bread of understanding" signifies the essential, fundamental knowledge and insight that wisdom provides. Understanding is a deeper level of knowledge; it's not just knowing facts but also grasping their significance and application. It's the sustenance that feeds the mind and soul.
"Water of wisdom": Water is vital for life, providing cleansing, refreshment, and growth. Similarly, "water of wisdom" symbolizes the invigorating, refreshing, and life-giving nature of wisdom. Wisdom quenches the thirst for knowledge and provides clarity. It allows for spiritual and intellectual growth.
Overall Meaning:
The verse is saying that wisdom will provide those who seek her with essential understanding and invigorating insight. To break it down further, the person who commits to and seeks wisdom will:
Receive Essential Nourishment: Wisdom gives the fundamental knowledge and understanding necessary to navigate life successfully. It is the core substance needed for intellectual and spiritual flourishing.
Experience Refreshment and Growth: Wisdom is not just about learning facts, it is life giving; it refreshes the soul and promotes continuous growth.
Clarity of Mind: Like water cleanses, wisdom washes away the confusion and uncertainty, allowing one to see the world more clearly.
The verse emphasizes the transformative and life-sustaining power of wisdom, portraying it as a nurturing force that nourishes both the mind and spirit. It suggests that seeking wisdom is not merely an intellectual exercise but a pathway to a richer, more meaningful life.