Sirach 21:1 - My son, have you sinned? add no more thereto; And make supplication for your former sins.

Generated Verse: Sirach 21:1

What does "Sirach 21:1" mean?


Sirach 21:1, "My son, have you sinned? add no more thereto; And make supplication for your former sins," is a straightforward piece of wisdom literature offering advice on how to deal with sin. Let's break it down:

"My son, have you sinned?": This acknowledges the reality of sin. The author (traditionally understood to be Jesus ben Sirach) recognizes that everyone is capable of wrongdoing. It's not a condemnation, but a starting point.

"add no more thereto": This is the key command. It urges the reader to cease sinning. Stop! Don't continue down the wrong path. This is a call to repentance and a conscious decision to change behavior.

"And make supplication for your former sins": This advises seeking forgiveness for past transgressions. "Supplication" means to pray humbly and earnestly. The verse suggests that simply stopping sinning isn't enough; you also need to actively ask for pardon and reconciliation with God (or the divine, depending on one's interpretation).

In essence, the verse is a two-part instruction on dealing with sin:

1. Cease and Desist: Immediately stop engaging in sinful behavior. Make a conscious choice to change your actions.
2. Seek Forgiveness: Pray for forgiveness for the sins you've already committed. Acknowledge your wrongdoings and ask for mercy.

Interpretation and Significance:

Practical Wisdom: This verse provides practical advice for daily living. It's not abstract theology but concrete guidance on how to live a righteous life.
Emphasis on Repentance: It underscores the importance of both stopping sin and seeking forgiveness. True repentance involves both a change in behavior and a turning toward God (or a higher power).
Grace and Forgiveness: Implicitly, the verse suggests that forgiveness is available. The call to supplication implies that God is willing to hear and answer prayers for pardon.

In short, Sirach 21:1 encourages its readers to acknowledge their sins, stop committing them, and seek forgiveness through prayer, promoting a path towards moral and spiritual well-being.

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