This verse from Sirach 18:15, "My son, to your good deeds add no blemish; And no grief of words in any of your giving," is about the importance of giving and doing good with a pure and unselfish heart. Let's break it down:
"My son, to your good deeds add no blemish..."
This is the core of the first part of the verse. It means when you do something good, make sure you don't spoil it with ulterior motives or negative actions.
A "blemish" could be pride, expecting something in return, doing it for show, or holding it over someone's head later. It's about ensuring the good deed remains pure and isn't tainted by selfishness or negativity.
"...And no grief of words in any of your giving."
This part focuses on the way you give. Don't undermine your generosity by being harsh, condescending, or making the recipient feel bad about accepting.
"Grief of words" refers to speech that causes pain, humiliation, or resentment. This could include:
Humiliating the recipient: Don't make them feel ashamed or belittled for needing help.
Making it conditional: Don't attach strings to your giving that create burdens or obligations.
Boasting about your generosity: Don't brag or flaunt your good deeds to others or to the recipient.
Giving reluctantly or grudgingly: Even if you feel pressured to give, try to avoid expressing resentment or unhappiness about it.
In essence, the verse emphasizes that true generosity comes from a pure heart and is expressed with kindness and respect. It's not just about what you give, but how you give it.
Practical Implications:
Give without expecting anything in return: Do good because it's the right thing to do, not because you hope to gain something (praise, favors, etc.).
Be humble: Don't boast about your good deeds or use them to elevate yourself.
Give cheerfully and with a good attitude: Even if giving is difficult, try to do it with a generous spirit.
Be sensitive to the recipient's feelings: Avoid saying or doing anything that could make them feel ashamed, indebted, or uncomfortable.
Don't give with strings attached: Avoid creating conditions or expectations that make the recipient feel burdened.
In short, the verse calls for genuine, selfless generosity that is not tainted by pride, ulterior motives, or hurtful words. It stresses that the manner of giving is as important as the act of giving itself.
This verse from Sirach 18:15, "My son, to your good deeds add no blemish; And no grief of words in any of your giving," is about the importance of giving and doing good with a pure and unselfish heart. Let's break it down:
"My son, to your good deeds add no blemish..."
This is the core of the first part of the verse. It means when you do something good, make sure you don't spoil it with ulterior motives or negative actions.
A "blemish" could be pride, expecting something in return, doing it for show, or holding it over someone's head later. It's about ensuring the good deed remains pure and isn't tainted by selfishness or negativity.
"...And no grief of words in any of your giving."
This part focuses on the way you give. Don't undermine your generosity by being harsh, condescending, or making the recipient feel bad about accepting.
"Grief of words" refers to speech that causes pain, humiliation, or resentment. This could include:
Humiliating the recipient: Don't make them feel ashamed or belittled for needing help.
Making it conditional: Don't attach strings to your giving that create burdens or obligations.
Boasting about your generosity: Don't brag or flaunt your good deeds to others or to the recipient.
Giving reluctantly or grudgingly: Even if you feel pressured to give, try to avoid expressing resentment or unhappiness about it.
In essence, the verse emphasizes that true generosity comes from a pure heart and is expressed with kindness and respect. It's not just about what you give, but how you give it.
Practical Implications:
Give without expecting anything in return: Do good because it's the right thing to do, not because you hope to gain something (praise, favors, etc.).
Be humble: Don't boast about your good deeds or use them to elevate yourself.
Give cheerfully and with a good attitude: Even if giving is difficult, try to do it with a generous spirit.
Be sensitive to the recipient's feelings: Avoid saying or doing anything that could make them feel ashamed, indebted, or uncomfortable.
Don't give with strings attached: Avoid creating conditions or expectations that make the recipient feel burdened.
In short, the verse calls for genuine, selfless generosity that is not tainted by pride, ulterior motives, or hurtful words. It stresses that the manner of giving is as important as the act of giving itself.