Sirach 4:1 - My son, deprive not the poor of his living, And make not the needy eyes to wait long.
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What does "Sirach 4:1" mean?
This verse from Sirach 4:1, part of the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament Apocrypha, is a call to justice and compassion for the poor. Let's break it down:
"My son, deprive not the poor of his living...": This is the core of the verse. It's a direct command not to take away from the poor what they need to survive. This could refer to many things, like:
Wages: Paying them fairly and promptly for their labor.
Resources: Not exploiting them or taking advantage of their vulnerable position.
Opportunities: Not denying them access to things that could help them improve their situation.
Basic necessities: Denying someone the right to food, water, or shelter.
"...And make not the needy eyes to wait long.": This reinforces the first part, emphasizing the importance of timeliness in helping those in need. Don't delay assistance or ignore their urgent needs. "Needy eyes" conveys the desperation and hope that those in poverty often have. Making them wait increases their suffering and can be seen as a form of cruelty.
In essence, the verse urges readers to:
Be generous and compassionate towards the poor.
Act justly and fairly in all dealings with them.
Respond promptly to their needs and not delay help.
The verse speaks to the responsibility of those who are more fortunate to care for and support those who are less fortunate, and to do so with both fairness and a sense of urgency.
Sirach 4:1 - My son, deprive not the poor of his living, And make not the needy eyes to wait long.
What does "Sirach 4:1" mean?
This verse from Sirach 4:1, part of the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament Apocrypha, is a call to justice and compassion for the poor. Let's break it down:
"My son, deprive not the poor of his living...": This is the core of the verse. It's a direct command not to take away from the poor what they need to survive. This could refer to many things, like:
Wages: Paying them fairly and promptly for their labor.
Resources: Not exploiting them or taking advantage of their vulnerable position.
Opportunities: Not denying them access to things that could help them improve their situation.
Basic necessities: Denying someone the right to food, water, or shelter.
"...And make not the needy eyes to wait long.": This reinforces the first part, emphasizing the importance of timeliness in helping those in need. Don't delay assistance or ignore their urgent needs. "Needy eyes" conveys the desperation and hope that those in poverty often have. Making them wait increases their suffering and can be seen as a form of cruelty.
In essence, the verse urges readers to:
Be generous and compassionate towards the poor.
Act justly and fairly in all dealings with them.
Respond promptly to their needs and not delay help.
The verse speaks to the responsibility of those who are more fortunate to care for and support those who are less fortunate, and to do so with both fairness and a sense of urgency.