Sirach 40:18 - The life of one that labores, and is contented, shall be made sweet; And he that finds a treasure is above both.
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 40:18" mean?
Sirach 40:18 is a piece of wisdom literature that compares two states of being: a life of diligent work with contentment, and the sudden acquisition of great wealth. Let's break down the meaning:
"The life of one that labores, and is contented, shall be made sweet;" This part focuses on the value of honest, hardworking labor combined with contentment. It suggests that a person who works diligently and finds satisfaction in their work will experience a fulfilling and pleasant life. The word "sweet" implies a life of relative peace, satisfaction, and well-being. They may not be wealthy, but they'll have a rewarding existence.
"And he that finds a treasure is above both." This part introduces the idea of unexpectedly finding a large treasure or great wealth. The verse suggests that such a person is in a situation superior to someone who has a contented life through labor. The treasure provides instant financial security and the potential for a life of luxury and freedom from toil.
In essence, the verse is saying:
A life of hard work and contentment is a good and desirable thing.
However, unexpectedly finding great wealth puts you in an even better position, as it bypasses the need for labor and provides instant security and potential for greater ease.
Important Considerations:
Context: It's important to note that Sirach (also known as Ecclesiasticus) is wisdom literature, offering practical advice and observations about life. It's not a strict theological treatise.
Not an Endorsement of Laziness: The verse doesn't necessarily endorse laziness. It simply acknowledges that finding a treasure brings advantages. It's not advocating for people to stop working and just hope for a windfall.
Potential Downsides of Wealth: The verse focuses on the positive aspect of unexpected wealth but doesn't address the potential pitfalls, such as the corrupting influence of money, the burden of responsibility, or the loss of purpose. Other parts of the Bible do address these concerns.
Comparison, Not Replacement: The verse makes a comparison, not a replacement. It's not saying that labor and contentment are bad, just that unexpected wealth is considered a more advantageous situation.
In conclusion, Sirach 40:18 contrasts the merits of a contented, hardworking life with the perceived advantage of unexpectedly acquiring great wealth. While a life of labor and contentment is rewarding, finding treasure is seen as an even better position.
Sirach 40:18 - The life of one that labores, and is contented, shall be made sweet; And he that finds a treasure is above both.
What does "Sirach 40:18" mean?
Sirach 40:18 is a piece of wisdom literature that compares two states of being: a life of diligent work with contentment, and the sudden acquisition of great wealth. Let's break down the meaning:
"The life of one that labores, and is contented, shall be made sweet;" This part focuses on the value of honest, hardworking labor combined with contentment. It suggests that a person who works diligently and finds satisfaction in their work will experience a fulfilling and pleasant life. The word "sweet" implies a life of relative peace, satisfaction, and well-being. They may not be wealthy, but they'll have a rewarding existence.
"And he that finds a treasure is above both." This part introduces the idea of unexpectedly finding a large treasure or great wealth. The verse suggests that such a person is in a situation superior to someone who has a contented life through labor. The treasure provides instant financial security and the potential for a life of luxury and freedom from toil.
In essence, the verse is saying:
A life of hard work and contentment is a good and desirable thing.
However, unexpectedly finding great wealth puts you in an even better position, as it bypasses the need for labor and provides instant security and potential for greater ease.
Important Considerations:
Context: It's important to note that Sirach (also known as Ecclesiasticus) is wisdom literature, offering practical advice and observations about life. It's not a strict theological treatise.
Not an Endorsement of Laziness: The verse doesn't necessarily endorse laziness. It simply acknowledges that finding a treasure brings advantages. It's not advocating for people to stop working and just hope for a windfall.
Potential Downsides of Wealth: The verse focuses on the positive aspect of unexpected wealth but doesn't address the potential pitfalls, such as the corrupting influence of money, the burden of responsibility, or the loss of purpose. Other parts of the Bible do address these concerns.
Comparison, Not Replacement: The verse makes a comparison, not a replacement. It's not saying that labor and contentment are bad, just that unexpected wealth is considered a more advantageous situation.
In conclusion, Sirach 40:18 contrasts the merits of a contented, hardworking life with the perceived advantage of unexpectedly acquiring great wealth. While a life of labor and contentment is rewarding, finding treasure is seen as an even better position.