Key Verse Spotlight
Sirach 13:1 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" He who touches pitch will be defiled. He who has fellowship with a proud man will become like him. "
Sirach 13:1
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
1 He who touches pitch will be defiled. He who has fellowship with a proud man will become like him.
2 Don’t take up a burden above your strength. Have no fellowship with one who is mightier and richer than yourself. What fellowship would the earthen pot have with the kettle? The kettle will strike, and the pot will be dashed in pieces.
3 The rich man does a wrong and threatens. The poor is wronged and apologizes.
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Sirach 13:2
"Don’t take up a burden above your strength. Have no fellowship with one who is mightier and richer than yourself. What fellowship would the earthen pot have with the kettle? The kettle will strike, and the pot will be dashed in pieces."
Sirach 13:3
"The rich man does a wrong and threatens. The poor is wronged and apologizes."
Sirach 13:4
"If you are profitable, he will exploit you. If you are in need, he will forsake you."
Sirach 13:5
"If you own something, he will live with you. He will drain your resources and will not be sorry."
Sirach 13:6
"Does he need you? Then he will deceive you, smile at you, and give you hope. He will speak kindly to you and say, “What do you need?”"
Sirach 13:7
"He will shame you by his delicacies until he has made you bare twice or thrice, and in the end he will laugh you to scorn. Afterward he will see you, will forsake you, and shake his head at you."
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