Sirach 29:6 - If he prevail, he shall hardly receive the half; And he will count it as a windfall: If not, he has deprived him of his money, And he has gotten him for an enemy without cause: He will pay him with cursings and railings; And for honor he will pay him disgrace.
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What does "Sirach 29:6" mean?
This verse from Sirach 29:6 is a stark warning about the dangers of lending money, particularly to someone who may struggle to repay it. It outlines the potential downsides and highlights the risks to both the lender and the borrower. Let's break down each line:
"If he prevail, he shall hardly receive the half; And he will count it as a windfall:" This suggests that if the lender is lucky enough to get any of the money back from the borrower, it will likely be significantly less than the full amount. The borrower will treat the repayment as an unexpected stroke of good fortune (a windfall), rather than a genuine obligation. This implies the borrower struggles financially.
"If not, he has deprived him of his money, And he has gotten him for an enemy without cause:" If the borrower cannot repay the loan, the lender has lost their money entirely. Worse, they've likely gained an enemy. The phrase "without cause" suggests that the borrower will resent the lender for putting them in this difficult position, even though it was the borrower who took the loan. Resentment might stem from shame or the feeling of being pressured.
"He will pay him with cursings and railings; And for honor he will pay him disgrace." This illustrates the borrower's negative reaction to being in debt and possibly being pursued for repayment. Instead of gratitude or respect, the lender will be met with insults, curses, and general abuse. The borrower will repay the lender's act of generosity (implied "honor" in lending the money) with public shaming and dishonor.
In essence, the verse warns against lending to those who are likely to be unable to repay. It suggests that lending in such circumstances is likely to result in financial loss and a damaged relationship, with the lender being treated poorly despite their initial kindness.
The verse reflects a practical and somewhat cynical view of human nature and the power dynamics surrounding debt. It underscores the importance of caution and discernment when considering lending money. The advice suggests only lending if you are willing to potentially lose the money and the friendship.
Sirach 29:6 - If he prevail, he shall hardly receive the half; And he will count it as a windfall: If not, he has deprived him of his money, And he has gotten him for an enemy without cause: He will pay him with cursings and railings; And for honor he will pay him disgrace.
What does "Sirach 29:6" mean?
This verse from Sirach 29:6 is a stark warning about the dangers of lending money, particularly to someone who may struggle to repay it. It outlines the potential downsides and highlights the risks to both the lender and the borrower. Let's break down each line:
"If he prevail, he shall hardly receive the half; And he will count it as a windfall:" This suggests that if the lender is lucky enough to get any of the money back from the borrower, it will likely be significantly less than the full amount. The borrower will treat the repayment as an unexpected stroke of good fortune (a windfall), rather than a genuine obligation. This implies the borrower struggles financially.
"If not, he has deprived him of his money, And he has gotten him for an enemy without cause:" If the borrower cannot repay the loan, the lender has lost their money entirely. Worse, they've likely gained an enemy. The phrase "without cause" suggests that the borrower will resent the lender for putting them in this difficult position, even though it was the borrower who took the loan. Resentment might stem from shame or the feeling of being pressured.
"He will pay him with cursings and railings; And for honor he will pay him disgrace." This illustrates the borrower's negative reaction to being in debt and possibly being pursued for repayment. Instead of gratitude or respect, the lender will be met with insults, curses, and general abuse. The borrower will repay the lender's act of generosity (implied "honor" in lending the money) with public shaming and dishonor.
In essence, the verse warns against lending to those who are likely to be unable to repay. It suggests that lending in such circumstances is likely to result in financial loss and a damaged relationship, with the lender being treated poorly despite their initial kindness.
The verse reflects a practical and somewhat cynical view of human nature and the power dynamics surrounding debt. It underscores the importance of caution and discernment when considering lending money. The advice suggests only lending if you are willing to potentially lose the money and the friendship.