Sirach 22:13 - Talk not much with a foolish man, And go not to one that has no understanding: Beware of him, lest you have trouble; And so you shall not be defiled in his onslaught: Turn away from him, and you will find rest; And so you shall not be wearied in his madness.

Generated Verse: Sirach 22:13

What does "Sirach 22:13" mean?


This verse from Sirach 22:13 advises against excessive interaction with foolish or unintelligent people. Let's break it down phrase by phrase:

"Talk not much with a foolish man, And go not to one that has no understanding:" This sets the stage. It's about limiting your association with those who lack wisdom or reason. "Talk not much" suggests keeping conversations brief and superficial, while "go not to" implies avoiding seeking them out or frequenting their company.

"Beware of him, lest you have trouble;" This highlights the potential consequences. Foolishness can lead to conflict, problems, and general disruption in your life. You're warned to be cautious around such individuals.

"And so you shall not be defiled in his onslaught:" This refers to how foolish interactions can morally or intellectually corrupt a person. Foolish arguments or reckless behavior can taint one's own judgment or character. The word "onslaught" suggests the aggressive and overwhelming nature of foolishness.

"Turn away from him, and you will find rest;" This offers the solution and its benefit. By distancing yourself from foolish individuals, you'll discover peace of mind and freedom from unnecessary drama.

"And so you shall not be wearied in his madness." This emphasizes the exhaustion that comes from dealing with irrationality. Foolishness can be draining, so avoiding it preserves your energy and mental well-being.

In essence, the verse advises protecting yourself from the negative influence of foolish individuals by limiting interaction with them. It suggests that such interactions can lead to trouble, moral or intellectual compromise, weariness, and a lack of peace. The wisdom lies in seeking rest and avoiding being dragged into the chaos and irrationality associated with foolishness.