Sirach 38:25 - How shall he become wise that holds the plow, That glories in the shaft of the goad, That drives oxen, and is occupied in their labors, And whose discourse is of the stock of bulls?
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Sirach 38:25" mean?
Sirach 38:25 is part of a larger passage (38:24-39:11) that contrasts the skills and roles of manual laborers with those of scholars and wise men. The verse you quoted specifically highlights the limitations of the agricultural worker. Let's break it down:
"How shall he become wise that holds the plow...": This is a rhetorical question implying that it is difficult for someone constantly engaged in physical labor, like plowing, to attain wisdom in the same way as someone dedicated to study and reflection.
"...That glories in the shaft of the goad...": The goad is a pointed stick used to drive oxen. "Glories" here doesn't necessarily mean the farmer is prideful. It means his skill and satisfaction are derived from the successful use of this tool, directly related to his labor.
"...That drives oxen, and is occupied in their labors...": This further emphasizes the person's complete involvement in agricultural work. His day is consumed with the physical demands of managing livestock and tilling the soil.
"...And whose discourse is of the stock of bulls?": This is perhaps the most telling phrase. It suggests that the farmer's conversations and concerns are limited to the breeding and care of cattle. His knowledge and understanding are confined to the practical matters of his trade.
Overall Meaning:
The verse doesn't condemn agricultural labor. Instead, it points out that practical, hands-on work, while necessary and valuable, doesn't readily lend itself to intellectual pursuits and the acquisition of broader wisdom. The author is making the point that there's a trade-off: time and energy spent on one type of endeavor are not available for another.
The contrast is drawn to emphasize the importance of the scribe or scholar (who is described later in the chapter). The scribe's education, reflection, and study allow him to offer a different kind of wisdom that is essential for the community.
In essence, the verse argues that expertise in one area (agricultural skill) doesn't automatically translate into wisdom or expertise in other areas (like law, politics, or religious knowledge). The author is highlighting the division of labor and the specialized knowledge required in different roles within society.
Sirach 38:25 - How shall he become wise that holds the plow, That glories in the shaft of the goad, That drives oxen, and is occupied in their labors, And whose discourse is of the stock of bulls?
What does "Sirach 38:25" mean?
Sirach 38:25 is part of a larger passage (38:24-39:11) that contrasts the skills and roles of manual laborers with those of scholars and wise men. The verse you quoted specifically highlights the limitations of the agricultural worker. Let's break it down:
"How shall he become wise that holds the plow...": This is a rhetorical question implying that it is difficult for someone constantly engaged in physical labor, like plowing, to attain wisdom in the same way as someone dedicated to study and reflection.
"...That glories in the shaft of the goad...": The goad is a pointed stick used to drive oxen. "Glories" here doesn't necessarily mean the farmer is prideful. It means his skill and satisfaction are derived from the successful use of this tool, directly related to his labor.
"...That drives oxen, and is occupied in their labors...": This further emphasizes the person's complete involvement in agricultural work. His day is consumed with the physical demands of managing livestock and tilling the soil.
"...And whose discourse is of the stock of bulls?": This is perhaps the most telling phrase. It suggests that the farmer's conversations and concerns are limited to the breeding and care of cattle. His knowledge and understanding are confined to the practical matters of his trade.
Overall Meaning:
The verse doesn't condemn agricultural labor. Instead, it points out that practical, hands-on work, while necessary and valuable, doesn't readily lend itself to intellectual pursuits and the acquisition of broader wisdom. The author is making the point that there's a trade-off: time and energy spent on one type of endeavor are not available for another.
The contrast is drawn to emphasize the importance of the scribe or scholar (who is described later in the chapter). The scribe's education, reflection, and study allow him to offer a different kind of wisdom that is essential for the community.
In essence, the verse argues that expertise in one area (agricultural skill) doesn't automatically translate into wisdom or expertise in other areas (like law, politics, or religious knowledge). The author is highlighting the division of labor and the specialized knowledge required in different roles within society.