Sirach 31:3 - A rich man toileth in gathering money together; And when he rests, he is filled with his good things.
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What does "Sirach 31:3" mean?
Sirach 31:3 (or Ecclesiasticus 31:3, depending on the Bible translation) reflects on the life of a wealthy man, and it can be interpreted in a few ways:
The Cycle of Labor and Reward: The verse highlights the continuous effort ("toileth") a rich man puts into accumulating wealth. However, it also acknowledges that this effort is eventually rewarded with the enjoyment of his accumulated possessions ("he is filled with his good things" when he rests). This suggests a cycle of hard work followed by the pleasure of enjoying the fruits of that labor.
Potential Vanity of Wealth: While the verse acknowledges the potential reward, it implicitly raises the question of whether the constant striving for wealth is truly fulfilling. The very fact that he needs rest and only finds contentment when he rests suggests a life driven by labor, potentially lacking in inherent satisfaction. It hints that the pursuit of riches might be a burden in itself.
Temporary Satisfaction: The "good things" fill him when he rests, suggesting the satisfaction is temporary. The verse doesn't say he's permanently filled with joy; it's a fleeting feeling that depends on his ability to stop working and enjoy his possessions. This can be seen as a commentary on the transient nature of material satisfaction.
Contrast with Other Types of Fulfillment: In the broader context of Sirach, and wisdom literature in general, the verse implicitly contrasts the pursuit of wealth with other, potentially more lasting sources of fulfillment like wisdom, virtue, and community. It subtly questions whether the wealthy man's rest is truly restful, or whether he is still anxious about maintaining or increasing his wealth.
In summary, Sirach 31:3 is a concise observation on the life of a wealthy man, highlighting both the labor required to attain riches and the temporary satisfaction that wealth can bring, while subtly hinting at the potential limitations and possible vanity of such a life. It prompts reflection on the true sources of lasting happiness and contentment.
Sirach 31:3 - A rich man toileth in gathering money together; And when he rests, he is filled with his good things.
What does "Sirach 31:3" mean?
Sirach 31:3 (or Ecclesiasticus 31:3, depending on the Bible translation) reflects on the life of a wealthy man, and it can be interpreted in a few ways:
The Cycle of Labor and Reward: The verse highlights the continuous effort ("toileth") a rich man puts into accumulating wealth. However, it also acknowledges that this effort is eventually rewarded with the enjoyment of his accumulated possessions ("he is filled with his good things" when he rests). This suggests a cycle of hard work followed by the pleasure of enjoying the fruits of that labor.
Potential Vanity of Wealth: While the verse acknowledges the potential reward, it implicitly raises the question of whether the constant striving for wealth is truly fulfilling. The very fact that he needs rest and only finds contentment when he rests suggests a life driven by labor, potentially lacking in inherent satisfaction. It hints that the pursuit of riches might be a burden in itself.
Temporary Satisfaction: The "good things" fill him when he rests, suggesting the satisfaction is temporary. The verse doesn't say he's permanently filled with joy; it's a fleeting feeling that depends on his ability to stop working and enjoy his possessions. This can be seen as a commentary on the transient nature of material satisfaction.
Contrast with Other Types of Fulfillment: In the broader context of Sirach, and wisdom literature in general, the verse implicitly contrasts the pursuit of wealth with other, potentially more lasting sources of fulfillment like wisdom, virtue, and community. It subtly questions whether the wealthy man's rest is truly restful, or whether he is still anxious about maintaining or increasing his wealth.
In summary, Sirach 31:3 is a concise observation on the life of a wealthy man, highlighting both the labor required to attain riches and the temporary satisfaction that wealth can bring, while subtly hinting at the potential limitations and possible vanity of such a life. It prompts reflection on the true sources of lasting happiness and contentment.