Sirach 27:28 - Mockery and reproach are from the haughty; And vengeance, as a lion, will lie in wait for him.

Generated Verse: Sirach 27:28

What does "Sirach 27:28" mean?


This verse from Sirach 27:28 warns about the consequences of pride and arrogance. Let's break it down:

"Mockery and reproach are from the haughty..." Haughty people, meaning those who are arrogant and consider themselves superior, are prone to mocking and reproaching others. Their pride leads them to look down on others and criticize them, often with the intent to humiliate or shame. Essentially, the starting point is the haughty person's behavior.

"...And vengeance, as a lion, will lie in wait for him." This describes the consequence of such haughty behavior. The image of a lion lying in wait suggests that vengeance is inevitable and will strike unexpectedly. It emphasizes the danger the haughty person brings upon themselves. This could be interpreted in several ways:

Divine Retribution: God will eventually punish the arrogant and bring them down to earth.
Social Consequences: Their arrogance will alienate people, leading to isolation and potential harm from those they have wronged. People who are constantly mocked will eventually retaliate.
Inner Turmoil: The constant need to feel superior, and the fear of being exposed as fallible, can lead to internal stress and suffering, a form of self-imposed "vengeance."

In essence, the verse is saying: Arrogant people who mock and belittle others are setting themselves up for trouble. Their pride will ultimately lead to their downfall, whether through divine punishment, social backlash, or internal torment. Their haughtiness creates a situation where some form of "vengeance" (consequences, suffering, or retribution) is highly likely to occur. The use of the lion as a metaphor emphasizes the sureness and potential violence of this outcome.

It's a warning against pride and a reminder to treat others with humility and respect.

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