Sirach 29:17 - And he that is of an unthankful mind will fail him that delivered him.

Generated Verse: Sirach 29:17

What does "Sirach 29:17" mean?


The verse Sirach 29:17, "And he that is of an unthankful mind will fail him that delivered him," is a proverb about the consequences of ingratitude. It essentially means that someone who is unthankful or unappreciative will ultimately let down the person who helped or rescued them. Let's break it down:

"He that is of an unthankful mind...": This refers to someone who doesn't show or feel gratitude for the kindness or assistance they've received. They may take it for granted, feel entitled to it, or simply not acknowledge the help.

"...will fail him that delivered him.": This means that this ungrateful person will, in some way, disappoint, betray, or let down the person who helped them. This "failure" can manifest in a number of ways:

Not returning the favor: They may not be there to help the deliverer when they need it.
Breaking a promise: They might make a promise to repay the kindness but not follow through.
Acting selfishly: They might prioritize their own needs over the needs of the person who helped them, effectively neglecting their obligation.
Damaging the relationship: Their ingratitude can damage or destroy the relationship with the deliverer, causing emotional pain and potentially material harm.

In essence, the proverb warns that ingratitude has a corrosive effect. It suggests that gratitude is not just a nice sentiment, but a fundamental element of a healthy relationship and a responsible character. Those who fail to show gratitude risk undermining the bonds of trust and support that make society function. It's a reminder that kindness should be reciprocated, and those who forget the help they've received are likely to disappoint those who offered it.

In a broader context, the verse encourages the reader to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and avoid being the type of person who takes advantage of others' generosity without showing appreciation.

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