This verse from Sirach 20:28 has two distinct parts, each with its own meaning:
"He that tills his land will raise his heap high;" This part speaks to the benefits of hard work and diligence. "Tilling" refers to cultivating or working the land. If someone diligently works their own land, they will be rewarded with a plentiful harvest and abundance (a "high heap" of grain or wealth). It emphasizes the principle that effort leads to prosperity.
"And he that pleases great men will get pardon for iniquity." This part suggests that currying favor with powerful individuals can lead to forgiveness or leniency for wrongdoing. "Great men" refers to people of influence and authority. The verse implies that by pleasing or flattering such individuals, one might be able to escape the consequences of their wrong actions or "iniquity."
Taken together, the verse presents a contrast between two different paths to success or well-being. The first emphasizes honest, productive labor, while the second highlights the potential, albeit morally questionable, benefits of seeking favor from powerful people. The verse might be interpreted as a warning against relying on superficial connections or compromising one's integrity to gain advantages.
This verse from Sirach 20:28 has two distinct parts, each with its own meaning:
"He that tills his land will raise his heap high;" This part speaks to the benefits of hard work and diligence. "Tilling" refers to cultivating or working the land. If someone diligently works their own land, they will be rewarded with a plentiful harvest and abundance (a "high heap" of grain or wealth). It emphasizes the principle that effort leads to prosperity.
"And he that pleases great men will get pardon for iniquity." This part suggests that currying favor with powerful individuals can lead to forgiveness or leniency for wrongdoing. "Great men" refers to people of influence and authority. The verse implies that by pleasing or flattering such individuals, one might be able to escape the consequences of their wrong actions or "iniquity."
Taken together, the verse presents a contrast between two different paths to success or well-being. The first emphasizes honest, productive labor, while the second highlights the potential, albeit morally questionable, benefits of seeking favor from powerful people. The verse might be interpreted as a warning against relying on superficial connections or compromising one's integrity to gain advantages.
