Sirach 21:15 - If a man of knowledge hear a wise word, He will commend it, and add to it: The dissolute man hears it, and it displeases him, And he puts it away behind his back.
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What does "Sirach 21:15" mean?
This verse from Sirach 21:15 contrasts how a wise and knowledgeable person responds to wisdom versus how a foolish or dissolute person reacts. Let's break it down:
"If a man of knowledge hear a wise word, He will commend it, and add to it:" This describes the positive reaction of someone who values wisdom.
"A man of knowledge": This refers to someone who is learned, intelligent, and seeks understanding.
"Hear a wise word": This refers to encountering a piece of wisdom, advice, or insight.
"He will commend it": This means they will acknowledge the value and worth of the wise word. They'll recognize its truth and appreciate the insight.
"And add to it": This suggests that a wise person doesn't just passively accept wisdom; they build upon it. They use their own knowledge and experience to expand on the idea, further refine it, or apply it to different situations. This active engagement demonstrates a deep understanding and a commitment to continuous learning.
"The dissolute man hears it, and it displeases him, And he puts it away behind his back." This portrays the negative and dismissive reaction of a foolish or morally corrupt person.
"The dissolute man": This refers to someone who is morally corrupt, reckless, irresponsible, and likely lives a life of indulgence and pleasure-seeking without regard for consequences. "Dissolute" also implies a lack of self-discipline or control.
"Hears it, and it displeases him": Wisdom is not welcome to such a person. It challenges their worldview, exposes their flaws, and potentially calls them to change their ways. This discomfort leads to rejection.
"And he puts it away behind his back": This is a vivid metaphor for complete rejection and disregard. It means they dismiss the wisdom, ignore it, and pretend it doesn't exist. They want to forget about it and continue living in their own way, undisturbed by truth or moral guidance. Putting it behind their back symbolizes hiding it away, pretending it doesn't exist, and refusing to let it influence their actions.
In essence, the verse highlights the following:
Wisdom attracts wisdom: Those who are already wise seek to learn more and build upon their knowledge.
Foolishness rejects wisdom: Those who are foolish, immoral, or simply unwilling to change are repelled by wisdom and dismiss it as irrelevant or inconvenient.
The value of open-mindedness: The verse encourages open-mindedness, humility, and a willingness to learn from others.
The dangers of stubbornness: The verse warns against stubbornness, pride, and a refusal to acknowledge one's own shortcomings.
The verse serves as a reminder that the value of wisdom is not universally appreciated. It depends on the character and disposition of the individual who hears it. Those who are open to learning and growth will embrace wisdom, while those who are set in their ways will reject it, to their own detriment.
Sirach 21:15 - If a man of knowledge hear a wise word, He will commend it, and add to it: The dissolute man hears it, and it displeases him, And he puts it away behind his back.
What does "Sirach 21:15" mean?
This verse from Sirach 21:15 contrasts how a wise and knowledgeable person responds to wisdom versus how a foolish or dissolute person reacts. Let's break it down:
"If a man of knowledge hear a wise word, He will commend it, and add to it:" This describes the positive reaction of someone who values wisdom.
"A man of knowledge": This refers to someone who is learned, intelligent, and seeks understanding.
"Hear a wise word": This refers to encountering a piece of wisdom, advice, or insight.
"He will commend it": This means they will acknowledge the value and worth of the wise word. They'll recognize its truth and appreciate the insight.
"And add to it": This suggests that a wise person doesn't just passively accept wisdom; they build upon it. They use their own knowledge and experience to expand on the idea, further refine it, or apply it to different situations. This active engagement demonstrates a deep understanding and a commitment to continuous learning.
"The dissolute man hears it, and it displeases him, And he puts it away behind his back." This portrays the negative and dismissive reaction of a foolish or morally corrupt person.
"The dissolute man": This refers to someone who is morally corrupt, reckless, irresponsible, and likely lives a life of indulgence and pleasure-seeking without regard for consequences. "Dissolute" also implies a lack of self-discipline or control.
"Hears it, and it displeases him": Wisdom is not welcome to such a person. It challenges their worldview, exposes their flaws, and potentially calls them to change their ways. This discomfort leads to rejection.
"And he puts it away behind his back": This is a vivid metaphor for complete rejection and disregard. It means they dismiss the wisdom, ignore it, and pretend it doesn't exist. They want to forget about it and continue living in their own way, undisturbed by truth or moral guidance. Putting it behind their back symbolizes hiding it away, pretending it doesn't exist, and refusing to let it influence their actions.
In essence, the verse highlights the following:
Wisdom attracts wisdom: Those who are already wise seek to learn more and build upon their knowledge.
Foolishness rejects wisdom: Those who are foolish, immoral, or simply unwilling to change are repelled by wisdom and dismiss it as irrelevant or inconvenient.
The value of open-mindedness: The verse encourages open-mindedness, humility, and a willingness to learn from others.
The dangers of stubbornness: The verse warns against stubbornness, pride, and a refusal to acknowledge one's own shortcomings.
The verse serves as a reminder that the value of wisdom is not universally appreciated. It depends on the character and disposition of the individual who hears it. Those who are open to learning and growth will embrace wisdom, while those who are set in their ways will reject it, to their own detriment.