Sirach 23:14 - Remember your father and your mother, For you sit in the midst of great men; That you be not forgetful before them, And become a fool by your custom; So will you wish that you had not been born, And curse the day of your nativity.
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What does "Sirach 23:14" mean?
This verse from Sirach 23:14 (also known as Ecclesiasticus) is a warning against arrogance and foolish behavior, especially when in the company of respected individuals. Let's break it down:
"Remember your father and your mother, For you sit in the midst of great men;": This is not simply about recalling your parents fondly. It's a reminder of your upbringing, your roots, and the values they instilled in you. The implied message is: Remember where you came from, and maintain humility. The fact that you are sitting with "great men" implies you are in a position of privilege or importance, and therefore, you need to be particularly careful.
"That you be not forgetful before them, And become a fool by your custom;": This is the core warning. "Forgetful" likely refers to becoming arrogant, self-important, or losing sight of your proper place. "Your custom" refers to your habitual bad habits, flaws of character, and lack of self-control. It suggests that unchecked habits can lead to foolish behavior. For example, someone might have a habit of boasting, interrupting, or speaking without thinking. If indulged in the presence of respected elders, it can make them appear foolish.
"So will you wish that you had not been born, And curse the day of your nativity.": This is the consequence of failing to heed the warning. The shame and regret of acting foolishly in front of respected individuals will be so profound that you will feel deep remorse and despair. You'll wish you could undo your actions, even to the point of wishing you had never been born.
In summary, the verse advises:
Humility: Remember your upbringing and avoid arrogance.
Self-Control: Be mindful of your words and actions, especially in the presence of superiors.
Respect: Show deference to those who are more experienced or accomplished than you.
Consequences: Failure to do so will lead to shame, regret, and profound unhappiness.
The verse ultimately emphasizes the importance of wisdom, humility, and the avoidance of foolish behavior to maintain one's reputation and dignity, particularly in influential circles. It's a cautionary tale about the devastating consequences of failing to live up to expected standards of conduct.
Sirach 23:14 - Remember your father and your mother, For you sit in the midst of great men; That you be not forgetful before them, And become a fool by your custom; So will you wish that you had not been born, And curse the day of your nativity.
What does "Sirach 23:14" mean?
This verse from Sirach 23:14 (also known as Ecclesiasticus) is a warning against arrogance and foolish behavior, especially when in the company of respected individuals. Let's break it down:
"Remember your father and your mother, For you sit in the midst of great men;": This is not simply about recalling your parents fondly. It's a reminder of your upbringing, your roots, and the values they instilled in you. The implied message is: Remember where you came from, and maintain humility. The fact that you are sitting with "great men" implies you are in a position of privilege or importance, and therefore, you need to be particularly careful.
"That you be not forgetful before them, And become a fool by your custom;": This is the core warning. "Forgetful" likely refers to becoming arrogant, self-important, or losing sight of your proper place. "Your custom" refers to your habitual bad habits, flaws of character, and lack of self-control. It suggests that unchecked habits can lead to foolish behavior. For example, someone might have a habit of boasting, interrupting, or speaking without thinking. If indulged in the presence of respected elders, it can make them appear foolish.
"So will you wish that you had not been born, And curse the day of your nativity.": This is the consequence of failing to heed the warning. The shame and regret of acting foolishly in front of respected individuals will be so profound that you will feel deep remorse and despair. You'll wish you could undo your actions, even to the point of wishing you had never been born.
In summary, the verse advises:
Humility: Remember your upbringing and avoid arrogance.
Self-Control: Be mindful of your words and actions, especially in the presence of superiors.
Respect: Show deference to those who are more experienced or accomplished than you.
Consequences: Failure to do so will lead to shame, regret, and profound unhappiness.
The verse ultimately emphasizes the importance of wisdom, humility, and the avoidance of foolish behavior to maintain one's reputation and dignity, particularly in influential circles. It's a cautionary tale about the devastating consequences of failing to live up to expected standards of conduct.