Sirach 23:17, "All bread is sweet to a fornicator: He will not leave off till he die," is a proverb that uses the metaphor of "bread" (representing pleasure and satisfaction) to describe the insatiable nature of sexual sin. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"All bread is sweet to a fornicator": This means that any opportunity for sexual sin, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, is appealing to someone who is given to such behavior. The pleasure derived from the sin overwhelms any sense of morality, conscience, or potential consequences. It suggests an addiction-like quality.
"He will not leave off till he die": This is the core of the proverb. It highlights the difficulty, if not impossibility, of breaking free from habitual sexual sin. The phrase suggests that without a significant change of heart and lifestyle, the person will continue in this pattern until death. It emphasizes the destructive and all-consuming nature of this particular sin. The verse portrays the idea that this sin, if unaddressed, could be a lifelong struggle, ending only with death.
In Essence:
The verse is a warning about the addictive and destructive power of sexual sin. It suggests that the pleasure derived from it blinds a person to its consequences and makes it incredibly difficult to break free from its grip. It's a call for self-awareness, repentance, and a seeking of help to overcome such tendencies.
Possible interpretations:
Addictive Nature of Sin: The proverb highlights how certain sins can become addictive. Just as an addict craves their substance, a "fornicator" (a person who engages in sexual immorality) craves sexual gratification.
Lack of Self-Control: The inability to "leave off" suggests a lack of self-control and a weakness in resisting temptation.
Spiritual Death: While "till he die" can be interpreted literally, it can also signify spiritual death or the destruction of one's relationship with God.
Need for Help: It subtly emphasizes the need for seeking help, repentance, and divine grace to break free from sinful patterns.
The verse is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked desires and the importance of moral discipline.
Sirach 23:17, "All bread is sweet to a fornicator: He will not leave off till he die," is a proverb that uses the metaphor of "bread" (representing pleasure and satisfaction) to describe the insatiable nature of sexual sin. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"All bread is sweet to a fornicator": This means that any opportunity for sexual sin, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, is appealing to someone who is given to such behavior. The pleasure derived from the sin overwhelms any sense of morality, conscience, or potential consequences. It suggests an addiction-like quality.
"He will not leave off till he die": This is the core of the proverb. It highlights the difficulty, if not impossibility, of breaking free from habitual sexual sin. The phrase suggests that without a significant change of heart and lifestyle, the person will continue in this pattern until death. It emphasizes the destructive and all-consuming nature of this particular sin. The verse portrays the idea that this sin, if unaddressed, could be a lifelong struggle, ending only with death.
In Essence:
The verse is a warning about the addictive and destructive power of sexual sin. It suggests that the pleasure derived from it blinds a person to its consequences and makes it incredibly difficult to break free from its grip. It's a call for self-awareness, repentance, and a seeking of help to overcome such tendencies.
Possible interpretations:
Addictive Nature of Sin: The proverb highlights how certain sins can become addictive. Just as an addict craves their substance, a "fornicator" (a person who engages in sexual immorality) craves sexual gratification.
Lack of Self-Control: The inability to "leave off" suggests a lack of self-control and a weakness in resisting temptation.
Spiritual Death: While "till he die" can be interpreted literally, it can also signify spiritual death or the destruction of one's relationship with God.
Need for Help: It subtly emphasizes the need for seeking help, repentance, and divine grace to break free from sinful patterns.
The verse is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked desires and the importance of moral discipline.