Sirach 6:12, "If you shall be brought low, he will be against you, And will hide himself from your face," speaks about the fickleness of fair-weather friends and the pain of abandonment during times of hardship. Let's break down the verse:
"If you shall be brought low...": This refers to a state of adversity, such as experiencing misfortune, failure, poverty, illness, disgrace, or any situation that diminishes your social standing or personal well-being.
"...he will be against you...": The "he" here refers to the unreliable or unfaithful friend described earlier in the chapter. Instead of offering support and compassion during your difficult time, this person will turn against you. This could manifest as criticism, betrayal, gossiping, or actively working against your interests.
"...And will hide himself from your face.": This describes the person avoiding you and cutting off communication. They don't want to be associated with your misfortune. This act is hurtful and emphasizes the lack of genuine friendship. It suggests they are ashamed or embarrassed by your situation and prioritize their own image or comfort over your need for support.
In essence, the verse warns that some people are only friends when things are good. When you face adversity, they will turn their backs on you, distancing themselves and possibly even actively working against you.
Context within Sirach:
This verse fits within a broader theme in Sirach Chapter 6, which emphasizes the importance of discerning true friends from those who are unreliable. The chapter stresses the value of wise counsel, righteous companions, and the potential dangers of associating with the wrong people.
Modern Application:
The message remains relevant today. It reminds us to:
Be discerning in our friendships.
Not judge friends based solely on their material success or social status.
Recognize that true friends are those who stand by us through thick and thin.
Not be surprised or overly discouraged when fair-weather friends disappear during times of need.
Focus on cultivating and valuing genuine relationships based on loyalty, empathy, and mutual support.
This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of relationships built on superficial grounds and the importance of seeking genuine, steadfast friends who will offer support during challenging times.
Sirach 6:12, "If you shall be brought low, he will be against you, And will hide himself from your face," speaks about the fickleness of fair-weather friends and the pain of abandonment during times of hardship. Let's break down the verse:
"If you shall be brought low...": This refers to a state of adversity, such as experiencing misfortune, failure, poverty, illness, disgrace, or any situation that diminishes your social standing or personal well-being.
"...he will be against you...": The "he" here refers to the unreliable or unfaithful friend described earlier in the chapter. Instead of offering support and compassion during your difficult time, this person will turn against you. This could manifest as criticism, betrayal, gossiping, or actively working against your interests.
"...And will hide himself from your face.": This describes the person avoiding you and cutting off communication. They don't want to be associated with your misfortune. This act is hurtful and emphasizes the lack of genuine friendship. It suggests they are ashamed or embarrassed by your situation and prioritize their own image or comfort over your need for support.
In essence, the verse warns that some people are only friends when things are good. When you face adversity, they will turn their backs on you, distancing themselves and possibly even actively working against you.
Context within Sirach:
This verse fits within a broader theme in Sirach Chapter 6, which emphasizes the importance of discerning true friends from those who are unreliable. The chapter stresses the value of wise counsel, righteous companions, and the potential dangers of associating with the wrong people.
Modern Application:
The message remains relevant today. It reminds us to:
Be discerning in our friendships.
Not judge friends based solely on their material success or social status.
Recognize that true friends are those who stand by us through thick and thin.
Not be surprised or overly discouraged when fair-weather friends disappear during times of need.
Focus on cultivating and valuing genuine relationships based on loyalty, empathy, and mutual support.
This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of relationships built on superficial grounds and the importance of seeking genuine, steadfast friends who will offer support during challenging times.