Sirach 36:23 - If there is on her tongue mercy and meekness, Her husband is not like the sons of men.

Generated Verse: Sirach 36:23

What does "Sirach 36:23" mean?


Sirach 36:23 (or more commonly, Sirach 26:20 in some versions) says: "If there is on her tongue mercy and meekness, Her husband is not like the sons of men."

This verse highlights the power and impact of a virtuous wife on her husband's character and well-being. Let's break it down:

"If there is on her tongue mercy and meekness..." This emphasizes the importance of a wife's speech. "Mercy" suggests compassion, kindness, and forgiveness in her words. "Meekness" implies gentleness, humility, and a lack of harshness or aggression in her communication. It's not necessarily about being silent or submissive, but rather about choosing words that are constructive, supportive, and loving.

"...Her husband is not like the sons of men." This is the core of the verse. "Sons of men" can be interpreted in a couple of ways, both carrying similar implications:

Ordinary/Typical Men: If the wife possesses these virtuous qualities in her speech, the husband is elevated above the average, perhaps flawed, man. He's influenced by her good character to become a better person himself.
Imperfect/Fallen Men: Another interpretation is that without her influence, the husband might be prone to the common flaws and failings of humanity. Her virtuous speech helps him to avoid these pitfalls.

Overall Meaning:

The verse suggests that a wife who speaks with mercy and meekness has a profoundly positive influence on her husband. Her words have the power to:

Elevate his character: She inspires him to be a better person, more compassionate, and less prone to anger or negativity.
Bring him honor: Her good reputation reflects well on him, and her wise counsel benefits him.
Create a more harmonious marriage: Kind words foster a loving and peaceful home environment.
Protect him from negativity: Her gentle spirit can help him avoid destructive behaviors and attitudes common to "sons of men."

In essence, the verse underscores the significant role a wife plays in shaping her husband's character and well-being through her words and demeanor. It's a reminder that communication, characterized by kindness and gentleness, can have a transformative effect on a relationship and on the individuals within it.

It's important to remember that this verse should be read in its historical context and not be used to place undue burden solely on women for the success of a marriage. Healthy relationships require mutual respect, communication, and effort from both partners.

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