Sirach 9:13 - Keep you far from the man that has power to kill, And you will have no suspicion of the fear of death: And if you come to him, commit no fault, Lest he take away your life: Know surely that you go about in the midst of snares, And walk upon the battlements of a city.
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 9:13" mean?
Sirach 9:13 is a proverb offering practical advice on navigating relationships with powerful and potentially dangerous individuals. Let's break down each part:
"Keep you far from the man that has power to kill..." This is the core advice. It cautions against unnecessary association with those holding life-and-death power. This could refer to rulers, judges, powerful officials, or even individuals known for their violence and influence. The further you are from them, the less likely you are to become a target of their power.
"...And you will have no suspicion of the fear of death:" This is the consequence of heeding the advice. If you avoid powerful, dangerous people, you won't constantly live in fear of being arbitrarily killed or harmed by them. Your mind will be at peace, free from the constant suspicion and anxiety that association with such individuals brings.
"And if you come to him, commit no fault..." This offers a condition, acknowledging that sometimes avoiding the powerful is impossible. If you must interact with such a person, the advice shifts to extreme caution. You must be blameless, meticulously careful not to offend or provoke them in any way.
"...Lest he take away your life:" This reinforces the danger. Any slip-up, real or perceived, could have dire consequences. The powerful are often capricious and quick to anger, and you have little recourse against their actions.
"Know surely that you go about in the midst of snares..." This is a general warning applicable to life, but especially relevant in the context of powerful people. Life is full of traps and dangers, often hidden from view. This is a reminder to be aware of your surroundings and the potential for harm.
"...And walk upon the battlements of a city." This vivid image emphasizes the precariousness of your situation. Walking on the battlements (the fortified walls of a city) is dangerous; one wrong step could lead to a fatal fall. Similarly, dealing with powerful people means walking a dangerous line, where a single mistake could be disastrous.
In essence, the verse is about prudence and self-preservation. It advises avoidance of dangerous people when possible, and extreme caution when avoidance is not an option. It highlights the ever-present dangers of life and the need for awareness and careful action. It's a reminder that those in power are not always benevolent and that protecting yourself is a wise course of action.
Sirach 9:13 - Keep you far from the man that has power to kill, And you will have no suspicion of the fear of death: And if you come to him, commit no fault, Lest he take away your life: Know surely that you go about in the midst of snares, And walk upon the battlements of a city.
What does "Sirach 9:13" mean?
Sirach 9:13 is a proverb offering practical advice on navigating relationships with powerful and potentially dangerous individuals. Let's break down each part:
"Keep you far from the man that has power to kill..." This is the core advice. It cautions against unnecessary association with those holding life-and-death power. This could refer to rulers, judges, powerful officials, or even individuals known for their violence and influence. The further you are from them, the less likely you are to become a target of their power.
"...And you will have no suspicion of the fear of death:" This is the consequence of heeding the advice. If you avoid powerful, dangerous people, you won't constantly live in fear of being arbitrarily killed or harmed by them. Your mind will be at peace, free from the constant suspicion and anxiety that association with such individuals brings.
"And if you come to him, commit no fault..." This offers a condition, acknowledging that sometimes avoiding the powerful is impossible. If you must interact with such a person, the advice shifts to extreme caution. You must be blameless, meticulously careful not to offend or provoke them in any way.
"...Lest he take away your life:" This reinforces the danger. Any slip-up, real or perceived, could have dire consequences. The powerful are often capricious and quick to anger, and you have little recourse against their actions.
"Know surely that you go about in the midst of snares..." This is a general warning applicable to life, but especially relevant in the context of powerful people. Life is full of traps and dangers, often hidden from view. This is a reminder to be aware of your surroundings and the potential for harm.
"...And walk upon the battlements of a city." This vivid image emphasizes the precariousness of your situation. Walking on the battlements (the fortified walls of a city) is dangerous; one wrong step could lead to a fatal fall. Similarly, dealing with powerful people means walking a dangerous line, where a single mistake could be disastrous.
In essence, the verse is about prudence and self-preservation. It advises avoidance of dangerous people when possible, and extreme caution when avoidance is not an option. It highlights the ever-present dangers of life and the need for awareness and careful action. It's a reminder that those in power are not always benevolent and that protecting yourself is a wise course of action.