Sirach 26:7 - A wicked woman is as a yoke of oxen shaken to and fro: He that takes hold of her is as one that graspeth a scorpion.
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What does "Sirach 26:7" mean?
This verse from Sirach 26:7 uses vivid imagery to convey the destructive and painful nature of a wicked woman. Let's break down the two comparisons:
"A wicked woman is as a yoke of oxen shaken to and fro": A yoke is a wooden beam used to join a pair of oxen together to pull a plow or cart. If the yoke is "shaken to and fro," it means the oxen are out of control, moving erratically and unproductively. This suggests that a wicked woman is disruptive, unstable, and causes chaos in a relationship or household. She is unpredictable and doesn't work harmoniously with her partner.
"He that takes hold of her is as one that graspeth a scorpion": This comparison is even more direct and forceful. Grasping a scorpion results in a painful and dangerous sting. Similarly, getting involved with a wicked woman brings suffering, pain, and potential harm. The scorpion sting represents the emotional, psychological, or even physical damage she can inflict.
In essence, the verse warns against entering into a relationship with a wicked woman, emphasizing that such a relationship will be chaotic, painful, and ultimately destructive. It suggests that a wicked woman brings instability and pain, just as a shaken yoke disrupts work and a scorpion sting causes harm.
The verse is hyperbolic, using extreme metaphors to drive home the point. It is part of a broader section in Sirach that advises men on the characteristics to seek in a good wife and the dangers of a bad one.
Sirach 26:7 - A wicked woman is as a yoke of oxen shaken to and fro: He that takes hold of her is as one that graspeth a scorpion.
What does "Sirach 26:7" mean?
This verse from Sirach 26:7 uses vivid imagery to convey the destructive and painful nature of a wicked woman. Let's break down the two comparisons:
"A wicked woman is as a yoke of oxen shaken to and fro": A yoke is a wooden beam used to join a pair of oxen together to pull a plow or cart. If the yoke is "shaken to and fro," it means the oxen are out of control, moving erratically and unproductively. This suggests that a wicked woman is disruptive, unstable, and causes chaos in a relationship or household. She is unpredictable and doesn't work harmoniously with her partner.
"He that takes hold of her is as one that graspeth a scorpion": This comparison is even more direct and forceful. Grasping a scorpion results in a painful and dangerous sting. Similarly, getting involved with a wicked woman brings suffering, pain, and potential harm. The scorpion sting represents the emotional, psychological, or even physical damage she can inflict.
In essence, the verse warns against entering into a relationship with a wicked woman, emphasizing that such a relationship will be chaotic, painful, and ultimately destructive. It suggests that a wicked woman brings instability and pain, just as a shaken yoke disrupts work and a scorpion sting causes harm.
The verse is hyperbolic, using extreme metaphors to drive home the point. It is part of a broader section in Sirach that advises men on the characteristics to seek in a good wife and the dangers of a bad one.