Sirach 31:10 - Who has been tried thereby, and found perfect? Then let him glory. Who has had the power to transgress, and has not transgressed? And to do evil, and has not done it?
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What does "Sirach 31:10" mean?
This verse from Sirach 31:10 is part of a larger section praising the temperate person, particularly in the context of feasting and enjoying wealth. It highlights the rarity and virtue of someone who possesses power and opportunity for excess but chooses restraint. Let's break it down:
"Who has been tried thereby, and found perfect? Then let him glory." This speaks to someone who has been tested by temptation or the opportunity to indulge in something (likely related to food, drink, or wealth in the context of Sirach). To be "found perfect" means they resisted the temptation, showed self-control, and remained virtuous. Only someone who has truly faced this test and passed should take pride (glory) in their achievement. It's a warranted pride, not arrogance, because it's rooted in genuine accomplishment.
"Who has had the power to transgress, and has not transgressed?" This expands on the first point. It emphasizes that the person could have gone astray, they had the ability, the resources, or the opportunity to "transgress," meaning to break a moral or ethical boundary, to sin, or to engage in excess. But they chose not to.
"And to do evil, and has not done it?" This is a restatement of the previous line for emphasis. It underscores the active decision to abstain from wrongdoing. It's not simply the absence of evil, but the deliberate choice to resist doing evil, despite having the capacity to do so.
In essence, the verse praises someone who:
Has been tempted or had the opportunity to indulge.
Possesses the power or ability to act wrongly or indulge in excess.
But chooses, through self-control and virtue, to resist temptation and do good.
The verse is not just about not doing wrong; it is about the strength of character required to resist doing wrong when one has the opportunity and the power to do so. It recognizes that true virtue is not simply the absence of vice, but the active and conscious resistance to it.
The significance lies in the rarity of this virtue. Sirach implies that few people truly possess this level of self-control. It's easy to be virtuous when you lack the means or opportunity to be otherwise. But true character is revealed when you have the power to do what you want, but choose to do what is right.
Connection to broader themes in Sirach:
Sirach is a book of wisdom literature, offering practical advice on how to live a virtuous and successful life. Temperance, self-control, and the responsible use of wealth are recurring themes. This verse fits into this framework by highlighting the admirable quality of someone who can enjoy the good things in life without being consumed by them. It emphasizes that true happiness and virtue come from inner control, not from unrestrained indulgence.
Sirach 31:10 - Who has been tried thereby, and found perfect? Then let him glory. Who has had the power to transgress, and has not transgressed? And to do evil, and has not done it?
What does "Sirach 31:10" mean?
This verse from Sirach 31:10 is part of a larger section praising the temperate person, particularly in the context of feasting and enjoying wealth. It highlights the rarity and virtue of someone who possesses power and opportunity for excess but chooses restraint. Let's break it down:
"Who has been tried thereby, and found perfect? Then let him glory." This speaks to someone who has been tested by temptation or the opportunity to indulge in something (likely related to food, drink, or wealth in the context of Sirach). To be "found perfect" means they resisted the temptation, showed self-control, and remained virtuous. Only someone who has truly faced this test and passed should take pride (glory) in their achievement. It's a warranted pride, not arrogance, because it's rooted in genuine accomplishment.
"Who has had the power to transgress, and has not transgressed?" This expands on the first point. It emphasizes that the person could have gone astray, they had the ability, the resources, or the opportunity to "transgress," meaning to break a moral or ethical boundary, to sin, or to engage in excess. But they chose not to.
"And to do evil, and has not done it?" This is a restatement of the previous line for emphasis. It underscores the active decision to abstain from wrongdoing. It's not simply the absence of evil, but the deliberate choice to resist doing evil, despite having the capacity to do so.
In essence, the verse praises someone who:
Has been tempted or had the opportunity to indulge.
Possesses the power or ability to act wrongly or indulge in excess.
But chooses, through self-control and virtue, to resist temptation and do good.
The verse is not just about not doing wrong; it is about the strength of character required to resist doing wrong when one has the opportunity and the power to do so. It recognizes that true virtue is not simply the absence of vice, but the active and conscious resistance to it.
The significance lies in the rarity of this virtue. Sirach implies that few people truly possess this level of self-control. It's easy to be virtuous when you lack the means or opportunity to be otherwise. But true character is revealed when you have the power to do what you want, but choose to do what is right.
Connection to broader themes in Sirach:
Sirach is a book of wisdom literature, offering practical advice on how to live a virtuous and successful life. Temperance, self-control, and the responsible use of wealth are recurring themes. This verse fits into this framework by highlighting the admirable quality of someone who can enjoy the good things in life without being consumed by them. It emphasizes that true happiness and virtue come from inner control, not from unrestrained indulgence.