Sirach 7:22 - Hast you cattle? have an eye to them; And if they are profitable to you, let them stay by you.
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What does "Sirach 7:22" mean?
Sirach 7:22, "Hast thou cattle? have an eye to them; And if they are profitable to thee, let them stay by thee," essentially advises responsible stewardship of one's possessions, particularly livestock, and encourages keeping what is beneficial. Let's break down the verse:
"Hast thou cattle? have an eye to them": This is a straightforward question, followed by a direct command: If you own livestock, pay close attention to them. This means taking care of their needs, ensuring their well-being, and being mindful of their health and productivity. It speaks to the importance of good husbandry.
"And if they are profitable to thee, let them stay by thee": This part adds a pragmatic element. It suggests evaluating the economic value of the livestock. If they are providing you with a benefit (whether it's milk, meat, labor, or other resources), then it makes sense to keep them. This is not necessarily about being greedy, but about recognizing and maintaining valuable resources that contribute to one's livelihood.
In essence, the verse is promoting:
Responsibility: Owners should care for their animals and resources.
Prudence: Evaluate the value of your assets.
Practicality: Keep what benefits you, recognizing its worth.
Possible Interpretations and Applications:
Literal: The most obvious interpretation is in the context of ancient agriculture and animal husbandry. Farmers are encouraged to be attentive to their livestock and to maintain those animals that contribute to their sustenance and income.
Figurative: The verse can also be applied more broadly to other aspects of life. "Cattle" could represent any valuable resource, possession, or even relationship. The advice would then be to take care of what you have, evaluate its worth, and nurture what is beneficial.
Ultimately, Sirach 7:22 is a simple yet profound lesson about responsible management and appreciating the value of what you possess.
Sirach 7:22 - Hast you cattle? have an eye to them; And if they are profitable to you, let them stay by you.
What does "Sirach 7:22" mean?
Sirach 7:22, "Hast thou cattle? have an eye to them; And if they are profitable to thee, let them stay by thee," essentially advises responsible stewardship of one's possessions, particularly livestock, and encourages keeping what is beneficial. Let's break down the verse:
"Hast thou cattle? have an eye to them": This is a straightforward question, followed by a direct command: If you own livestock, pay close attention to them. This means taking care of their needs, ensuring their well-being, and being mindful of their health and productivity. It speaks to the importance of good husbandry.
"And if they are profitable to thee, let them stay by thee": This part adds a pragmatic element. It suggests evaluating the economic value of the livestock. If they are providing you with a benefit (whether it's milk, meat, labor, or other resources), then it makes sense to keep them. This is not necessarily about being greedy, but about recognizing and maintaining valuable resources that contribute to one's livelihood.
In essence, the verse is promoting:
Responsibility: Owners should care for their animals and resources.
Prudence: Evaluate the value of your assets.
Practicality: Keep what benefits you, recognizing its worth.
Possible Interpretations and Applications:
Literal: The most obvious interpretation is in the context of ancient agriculture and animal husbandry. Farmers are encouraged to be attentive to their livestock and to maintain those animals that contribute to their sustenance and income.
Figurative: The verse can also be applied more broadly to other aspects of life. "Cattle" could represent any valuable resource, possession, or even relationship. The advice would then be to take care of what you have, evaluate its worth, and nurture what is beneficial.
Ultimately, Sirach 7:22 is a simple yet profound lesson about responsible management and appreciating the value of what you possess.