Sirach 4:2 - Make not a hungry soul sorrowful; Neither provoke a man in his distress.

Generated Verse: Sirach 4:2

What does "Sirach 4:2" mean?


This verse from Sirach (also known as Ecclesiasticus), a book of wisdom literature in the Old Testament Apocrypha, advises against two specific kinds of cruelty:

"Make not a hungry soul sorrowful": This means you shouldn't add to the suffering of someone who is already lacking basic necessities, especially food. It's wrong to mistreat, mock, or otherwise cause further pain to someone who is hungry or in need. The focus is on showing compassion and not exacerbating their hardship.

"Neither provoke a man in his distress": This warns against irritating or angering someone who is already in a state of distress (grief, anxiety, hardship, etc.). Don't taunt, argue with, or generally antagonize someone who is already struggling. Instead, offer comfort and support, or at least avoid making their situation worse.

In essence, the verse emphasizes empathy, kindness, and avoiding causing further pain to those who are already suffering. It highlights the importance of treating vulnerable individuals with respect and understanding.