Sirach 18:27 - A wise man will fear in everything; And in days of sinning he will beware of offence.

Generated Verse: Sirach 18:27

What does "Sirach 18:27" mean?


This verse from Sirach 18:27, "A wise man will fear in everything; And in days of sinning he will beware of offence," is essentially saying that a truly wise person is constantly aware of the potential for wrongdoing and is careful to avoid it. Let's break it down:

"A wise man will fear in everything..." This doesn't mean living in constant terror. Instead, it means a wise person is prudent and cautious. They recognize that temptations and opportunities for sin can arise in unexpected situations and that even seemingly harmless choices can have negative consequences. This "fear" is more akin to reverence and a healthy respect for the potential to make mistakes or stray from a righteous path. It's about being mindful.

"...And in days of sinning he will beware of offense." This part refers to times when sin is rampant or the prevailing cultural climate makes it easy to fall into wrongdoing. In such times, a wise person will be especially vigilant to avoid causing offense, both to God and to others. "Offence" can refer to:

Sin: A wise person will be particularly careful to avoid committing sins, especially when those sins are common or normalized in the surrounding culture.
Scandal: They'll avoid actions that might lead others to sin or damage their faith. They'll be mindful of their influence on others.
Harming relationships: A wise person is wary to avoid words or actions that might hurt other people or ruin harmony, especially in morally decadent periods.

In essence: This verse encourages constant vigilance and a cautious approach to life. A wise person doesn't assume they're immune to temptation or incapable of making mistakes. They are aware of their own weaknesses and the potential for sin in the world around them and will strive to live in a way that honors God and avoids harming others, especially during times of moral decay. It emphasizes the importance of prudence, self-awareness, and a commitment to righteous living.

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