Sirach 27:23 - When you are present, he will speak sweetly, And will admire your words; But afterward he will writhe his mouth, And set a trap for you in your words.

Generated Verse: Sirach 27:23

What does "Sirach 27:23" mean?


This verse from Sirach 27:23 describes a type of person who is deceitful and manipulative. Let's break down the meaning:

"When you are present, he will speak sweetly, and will admire your words;": This describes the person's outward behavior when you are around. They are charming, flattering, and seem genuinely interested in what you have to say. They build your trust with kindness and compliments.

"But afterward he will writhe his mouth, and set a trap for you in your words.": This reveals their true intentions and what happens when you are not around.

"Writhe his mouth": This suggests a change in facial expression, hinting at bitterness, contempt, or scheming. It's a sign of mockery and malice hidden beneath the surface.

"Set a trap for you in your words": This is the core of the warning. The person listens to you not with genuine interest but with the intention of twisting your words, misinterpreting them, or using them against you later. They are waiting for you to say something they can exploit to damage your reputation, spread gossip, or manipulate a situation.

In essence, the verse warns against trusting people who are excessively flattering and outwardly agreeable. It cautions that they may be secretly plotting to use your words to harm you later. It highlights the importance of discernment and being wary of those who seem too good to be true.