Sirach 22:23 - Gain trust with your neighbor in his poverty, That in his prosperity you may have gladness: Abide stedfast to him in the time of his affliction, That you may be heir with him in his inheritance.
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What does "Sirach 22:23" mean?
This verse from Sirach 22:23 is a profound statement about loyalty, friendship, and the interconnectedness of human well-being. Let's break it down phrase by phrase:
"Gain trust with your neighbor in his poverty...": This emphasizes the importance of building trust with someone specifically when they are struggling. It's easy to befriend someone when they're doing well, but true friendship is tested during difficult times. By supporting and being trustworthy to your neighbor in poverty, you demonstrate genuine care and create a strong bond. The "trust" gained is likely not just practical (e.g., trustworthiness with money) but also emotional and moral.
"...That in his prosperity you may have gladness...": This suggests that your joy will be amplified when your neighbor succeeds. It's not about envy or seeking personal gain from their good fortune, but rather about sharing in their happiness because you were a supportive friend during their hardship. This points to a non-competitive, empathetic outlook. Seeing them thrive will bring you genuine pleasure because you played a role in their journey.
"Abide stedfast to him in the time of his affliction...": "Stedfast" means unwavering, loyal, and constant. This underscores the importance of continuing to be a reliable and supportive friend when your neighbor is suffering. Affliction could mean illness, loss, financial hardship, or any form of trouble. This is a call to remain committed, even when it's difficult or inconvenient.
"...That you may be heir with him in his inheritance.": This is the most metaphorical and potentially the most debated part of the verse. It does not necessarily mean literal inheritance (receiving money or property after someone dies). Instead, it signifies:
Sharing in their blessings: Because you've been a true friend, you'll share in their good fortune in a broader sense. This could include their respect, love, community standing, and the joy that comes from a fulfilling life.
Moral Inheritance: It can represent inheriting their values, their legacy, and the positive impact they have on the world. Your loyalty creates a deep bond that allows you to be part of their enduring story.
Spiritual Inheritance: Some interpret this as a spiritual inheritance, signifying a shared reward in the afterlife due to your faithfulness and righteous behavior.
In summary, the verse encourages selfless friendship and loyalty, especially in times of hardship. It argues that true friendship is built on trust and unwavering support. This kind of friendship leads to shared joy in prosperity and a shared inheritance of blessings, whether material, moral, or spiritual.
The core message is about investing in genuine relationships, not for personal gain, but for the mutual benefit and shared joy that comes from supporting one another through life's ups and downs. It highlights the idea that helping others ultimately enriches your own life in profound ways.
Sirach 22:23 - Gain trust with your neighbor in his poverty, That in his prosperity you may have gladness: Abide stedfast to him in the time of his affliction, That you may be heir with him in his inheritance.
What does "Sirach 22:23" mean?
This verse from Sirach 22:23 is a profound statement about loyalty, friendship, and the interconnectedness of human well-being. Let's break it down phrase by phrase:
"Gain trust with your neighbor in his poverty...": This emphasizes the importance of building trust with someone specifically when they are struggling. It's easy to befriend someone when they're doing well, but true friendship is tested during difficult times. By supporting and being trustworthy to your neighbor in poverty, you demonstrate genuine care and create a strong bond. The "trust" gained is likely not just practical (e.g., trustworthiness with money) but also emotional and moral.
"...That in his prosperity you may have gladness...": This suggests that your joy will be amplified when your neighbor succeeds. It's not about envy or seeking personal gain from their good fortune, but rather about sharing in their happiness because you were a supportive friend during their hardship. This points to a non-competitive, empathetic outlook. Seeing them thrive will bring you genuine pleasure because you played a role in their journey.
"Abide stedfast to him in the time of his affliction...": "Stedfast" means unwavering, loyal, and constant. This underscores the importance of continuing to be a reliable and supportive friend when your neighbor is suffering. Affliction could mean illness, loss, financial hardship, or any form of trouble. This is a call to remain committed, even when it's difficult or inconvenient.
"...That you may be heir with him in his inheritance.": This is the most metaphorical and potentially the most debated part of the verse. It does not necessarily mean literal inheritance (receiving money or property after someone dies). Instead, it signifies:
Sharing in their blessings: Because you've been a true friend, you'll share in their good fortune in a broader sense. This could include their respect, love, community standing, and the joy that comes from a fulfilling life.
Moral Inheritance: It can represent inheriting their values, their legacy, and the positive impact they have on the world. Your loyalty creates a deep bond that allows you to be part of their enduring story.
Spiritual Inheritance: Some interpret this as a spiritual inheritance, signifying a shared reward in the afterlife due to your faithfulness and righteous behavior.
In summary, the verse encourages selfless friendship and loyalty, especially in times of hardship. It argues that true friendship is built on trust and unwavering support. This kind of friendship leads to shared joy in prosperity and a shared inheritance of blessings, whether material, moral, or spiritual.
The core message is about investing in genuine relationships, not for personal gain, but for the mutual benefit and shared joy that comes from supporting one another through life's ups and downs. It highlights the idea that helping others ultimately enriches your own life in profound ways.