Sirach 20:13 - He that is wise in words will make himself beloved; But the pleasantries of fools will be wasted.
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What does "Sirach 20:13" mean?
Sirach 20:13 is a proverb offering wisdom on the power of speech and the importance of using words wisely. Let's break it down:
"He that is wise in words will make himself beloved..." This part highlights the positive impact of thoughtful and intelligent communication. A person who speaks with wisdom, tact, and understanding is likely to be well-received and liked by others. Their words are likely to be helpful, encouraging, or insightful, leading to positive relationships. "Wise in words" means not just having knowledge, but also knowing how to use that knowledge in speaking and writing. It's about eloquence, but also about appropriateness and kindness.
"...But the pleasantries of fools will be wasted." This part contrasts the wise person with a "fool." In this context, a fool isn't necessarily someone of low intelligence, but rather someone who speaks without thinking, says inappropriate things, or relies on empty or foolish humor. "Pleasantries" refers to attempts at being agreeable or lighthearted, like jokes or small talk. However, when these pleasantries come from a fool, they are ineffective and "wasted." They fail to achieve their intended purpose (to build rapport, amuse, etc.) and may even be detrimental. Why? Because they may be:
Offensive
Irrelevant
Repetitive and tiresome
Lacking in substance
Based on ignorance or misunderstanding
In essence, the verse means:
Wise and thoughtful speech builds affection and connection. Foolish and empty chatter, on the other hand, is unproductive and achieves nothing positive. The verse advocates for careful consideration of what we say and how we say it, emphasizing the importance of substance and tact in communication. It reminds us that empty or ill-considered words can be a waste of time and even damage relationships.
Key takeaways:
The power of words: Our words have the ability to build or break relationships.
The importance of wisdom in speech: Being wise in words involves thinking before speaking and considering the impact of our words on others.
The futility of foolish talk: Empty, thoughtless, or inappropriate speech is ultimately unproductive and can even be harmful.
Focus on quality over quantity: It's better to say a few wise words than to babble endlessly without substance.
This verse is a reminder to cultivate wisdom in our communication, striving to speak with thoughtfulness and intention.
Sirach 20:13 - He that is wise in words will make himself beloved; But the pleasantries of fools will be wasted.
What does "Sirach 20:13" mean?
Sirach 20:13 is a proverb offering wisdom on the power of speech and the importance of using words wisely. Let's break it down:
"He that is wise in words will make himself beloved..." This part highlights the positive impact of thoughtful and intelligent communication. A person who speaks with wisdom, tact, and understanding is likely to be well-received and liked by others. Their words are likely to be helpful, encouraging, or insightful, leading to positive relationships. "Wise in words" means not just having knowledge, but also knowing how to use that knowledge in speaking and writing. It's about eloquence, but also about appropriateness and kindness.
"...But the pleasantries of fools will be wasted." This part contrasts the wise person with a "fool." In this context, a fool isn't necessarily someone of low intelligence, but rather someone who speaks without thinking, says inappropriate things, or relies on empty or foolish humor. "Pleasantries" refers to attempts at being agreeable or lighthearted, like jokes or small talk. However, when these pleasantries come from a fool, they are ineffective and "wasted." They fail to achieve their intended purpose (to build rapport, amuse, etc.) and may even be detrimental. Why? Because they may be:
Offensive
Irrelevant
Repetitive and tiresome
Lacking in substance
Based on ignorance or misunderstanding
In essence, the verse means:
Wise and thoughtful speech builds affection and connection. Foolish and empty chatter, on the other hand, is unproductive and achieves nothing positive. The verse advocates for careful consideration of what we say and how we say it, emphasizing the importance of substance and tact in communication. It reminds us that empty or ill-considered words can be a waste of time and even damage relationships.
Key takeaways:
The power of words: Our words have the ability to build or break relationships.
The importance of wisdom in speech: Being wise in words involves thinking before speaking and considering the impact of our words on others.
The futility of foolish talk: Empty, thoughtless, or inappropriate speech is ultimately unproductive and can even be harmful.
Focus on quality over quantity: It's better to say a few wise words than to babble endlessly without substance.
This verse is a reminder to cultivate wisdom in our communication, striving to speak with thoughtfulness and intention.