Sirach 51:20 describes the speaker's relationship with Wisdom (personified as "her"). Let's break down the verse:
"I set my soul aright to her...": This means the speaker intentionally turned their thoughts, intentions, and actions towards Wisdom. They aligned themselves with her principles and sought her guidance. "Set my soul aright" implies a deliberate effort to correct any previous misalignment or straying from the path of wisdom.
"...And in pureness I found her.": This suggests that seeking Wisdom requires a certain degree of moral integrity and sincerity. The speaker found Wisdom because they approached her with a pure heart and honest intentions. Wisdom reveals herself to those who seek her genuinely and earnestly.
"I got me a heart joined with her from the beginning...": This line can be interpreted in a couple of ways, depending on how "from the beginning" is understood:
From the beginning of my quest for wisdom: The speaker recognized and embraced Wisdom from the very start of their search, establishing a deep connection early on. It suggests an immediate and strong affinity for Wisdom's teachings.
From the beginning of my life (potentially): This interpretation suggests that the speaker was predisposed towards Wisdom or had a natural inclination towards righteous living. It could also hint at a divine plan, suggesting that the speaker was always destined to find Wisdom. It could be allegorically saying that wisdom is found in the human heart when you purify it.
"...Therefore shall I not be forsaken.": This is the consequence of the speaker's devoted relationship with Wisdom. Because they have wholeheartedly embraced Wisdom and their hearts are joined, they believe they will never be abandoned or left without guidance and support. Wisdom offers stability, protection, and lasting fulfillment.
In summary, the verse emphasizes the importance of actively seeking Wisdom with a pure heart and a genuine desire to align oneself with her teachings. The reward for this dedication is a profound and enduring connection with Wisdom, resulting in a life that is guided, protected, and never truly abandoned.
The passage highlights the benefits of pursuing wisdom as a guiding force in life, emphasizing purity of intention and a steadfast commitment to its principles. It's a testament to the value of aligning oneself with wisdom for lasting fulfillment and guidance.
Sirach 51:20 describes the speaker's relationship with Wisdom (personified as "her"). Let's break down the verse:
"I set my soul aright to her...": This means the speaker intentionally turned their thoughts, intentions, and actions towards Wisdom. They aligned themselves with her principles and sought her guidance. "Set my soul aright" implies a deliberate effort to correct any previous misalignment or straying from the path of wisdom.
"...And in pureness I found her.": This suggests that seeking Wisdom requires a certain degree of moral integrity and sincerity. The speaker found Wisdom because they approached her with a pure heart and honest intentions. Wisdom reveals herself to those who seek her genuinely and earnestly.
"I got me a heart joined with her from the beginning...": This line can be interpreted in a couple of ways, depending on how "from the beginning" is understood:
From the beginning of my quest for wisdom: The speaker recognized and embraced Wisdom from the very start of their search, establishing a deep connection early on. It suggests an immediate and strong affinity for Wisdom's teachings.
From the beginning of my life (potentially): This interpretation suggests that the speaker was predisposed towards Wisdom or had a natural inclination towards righteous living. It could also hint at a divine plan, suggesting that the speaker was always destined to find Wisdom. It could be allegorically saying that wisdom is found in the human heart when you purify it.
"...Therefore shall I not be forsaken.": This is the consequence of the speaker's devoted relationship with Wisdom. Because they have wholeheartedly embraced Wisdom and their hearts are joined, they believe they will never be abandoned or left without guidance and support. Wisdom offers stability, protection, and lasting fulfillment.
In summary, the verse emphasizes the importance of actively seeking Wisdom with a pure heart and a genuine desire to align oneself with her teachings. The reward for this dedication is a profound and enduring connection with Wisdom, resulting in a life that is guided, protected, and never truly abandoned.
The passage highlights the benefits of pursuing wisdom as a guiding force in life, emphasizing purity of intention and a steadfast commitment to its principles. It's a testament to the value of aligning oneself with wisdom for lasting fulfillment and guidance.