Sirach 51:25 - I opened my mouth, and spoke, Get her for yourselves without money.

Generated Verse: Sirach 51:25

What does "Sirach 51:25" mean?


The verse Sirach 51:25, "I opened my mouth, and spoke, Get her for yourselves without money," is part of a larger passage (Sirach 51:13-30) where the author, traditionally identified as Jesus son of Sirach, describes his pursuit of wisdom.

Here's a breakdown of the verse and its meaning in context:

"I opened my mouth, and spoke": This indicates the author is sharing a public proclamation or piece of advice.

"Get her for yourselves": "Her" refers to wisdom. Throughout the passage, wisdom is personified as a desirable woman, like a bride. This imagery is common in wisdom literature (see Proverbs 8). The author is urging others to actively seek and acquire wisdom.

"Without money": This is the key phrase. It means that wisdom cannot be bought or earned through material wealth. Unlike many things in the world that require payment, wisdom is freely available to anyone who seeks it earnestly and diligently. It requires effort, learning, and a willingness to listen and understand, but not financial resources.

In essence, the verse is saying:

"I am telling everyone to pursue wisdom, and the best part is that you don't need to be rich to get it. Wisdom is free and accessible to all."

Context is important: To fully understand the verse, it is important to read the verses before and after. In the verses before the author describes his own search for wisdom, and in the verses that follow he describes how he acquired it.

Practical implication:
It is a message of encouragement, saying that anyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status, can attain wisdom and knowledge. Wisdom is gained through study, contemplation, and a dedication to learning, all of which are not dependent on wealth.

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