Trust in God: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Sirach 34

Executive Summary ✨

Sirach 34, also known as Ecclesiasticus 34, delves into the deceptive nature of dreams and the importance of placing our trust in God rather than superstitions. The chapter contrasts the vanity of dreams with the wisdom gained through experience and the fear of the Lord. It emphasizes that true understanding comes from observing the world and living righteously, not from seeking omens or fortune-telling. The focus key phrase, trust in God, underscores the chapter’s central message, urging believers to rely on divine guidance and to cultivate a relationship with God that transcends the ephemeral nature of dreams. True worship and offerings are defined by righteous living and giving to the poor, highlighting the integral connection between faith and action. The teachings in Sirach 34 serve as a powerful reminder of the need for discernment and spiritual maturity.

Introduction to Sirach 34: This chapter provides crucial guidance on navigating the spiritual realm, urging readers to discern between what is genuine and what is deceptive. It invites us to cultivate a reliance on divine wisdom over fleeting and unreliable sources of guidance. Let us delve into its profound lessons, uncovering the richness of its insights for our lives today.

Commentary: Sirach 34, Verse by Verse 📜

Sirach 34:1 (KJV)

“The hopes of a man void of understanding are vain and false: and dreams lift up fools.”

Sirach 34:1 (NKJV)

“Fools hope in false dreams, and dreams lift up fools.”

This verse immediately establishes the chapter’s theme: the unreliability of dreams for those lacking understanding. The “man void of understanding” clings to false hopes and allows dreams to inflate their ego. This aligns with the Coptic Orthodox understanding of humility – that true wisdom comes from recognizing our limitations and seeking God’s guidance. Dreams, in this context, represent fleeting and often misleading imaginations. The folly lies in placing undue importance on them.

Spiritual Application: Strive for humility and discernment in all areas of life. Do not let wishful thinking or unfounded hopes dictate your actions. Trust in God and seek His will through prayer and scripture.

Sirach 34:2 (KJV)

“Whoso regardeth dreams is like him that catcheth at a shadow, and followeth after the wind.”

Sirach 34:2 (NKJV)

“Like one who catches at a shadow and pursues the wind is the one who believes in dreams.”

The imagery here is powerful and evocative. Pursuing dreams as a source of truth is likened to grasping at shadows or chasing the wind – an exercise in futility. Shadows and wind are insubstantial and elusive, offering no real nourishment or direction. This echoes the sentiment found in Ecclesiastes, which highlights the vanity of earthly pursuits divorced from God. St. Anthony the Great teaches, “Ἀεί σου ἡ διάνοια πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν ἐκτενέσθω, καὶ ἡ μνήμη τοῦ θανάτου ἐν σῇ καρδίᾳ κατοικείτω.” (“Let your mind always be directed toward God, and let the remembrance of death dwell in your heart.” – *Sayings of the Desert Fathers*). The emphasis is on directing our focus towards the eternal, not the ephemeral.

Spiritual Application: Avoid chasing after fleeting trends or illusory promises. Focus on building a solid foundation of faith rooted in God’s Word and the teachings of the Church.

Sirach 34:3 (KJV)

“The vision of dreams is the resemblance of one thing to another, even as the likeness of a face is before a face.”

Sirach 34:3 (NKJV)

“Dreams are as senseless as one who tries to catch his own shadow or chase the wind.”

This verse explains the nature of dreams. They are often fragmented and distorted reflections of reality, much like a face reflected in a distorted mirror. The resemblance is superficial, not substantial. Dreams lack the clarity and coherence needed to provide reliable guidance. This verse subtly warns against interpreting dreams literally, suggesting they are symbolic and require discernment.

Spiritual Application: Use discernment when interpreting symbolic language, including dreams. Seek wise counsel from spiritual mentors and rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Sirach 34:4 (KJV)

“What can be made clean by the unclean? and what truth can come from the false?”

Sirach 34:4 (NKJV)

“What can be made clean by the unclean? And what truth can come from falsehood?”

This verse poses a rhetorical question, highlighting the impossibility of deriving truth from falsehood. Just as an unclean thing cannot produce cleanliness, neither can false dreams reveal truth. This reflects the Coptic Orthodox emphasis on purity of heart and mind. True revelation comes from God, who is the source of all truth, not from the often-turbid waters of the subconscious. Find dependable [website hosting](https://dohost.us) to build your website.

Spiritual Application: Guard your heart and mind from impure thoughts and influences. Seek truth from God’s Word and the teachings of the Church.

Sirach 34:5 (KJV)

“Divinations, and soothsayings, and dreams, are vain: and the heart fancieth, as a woman in travail.”

Sirach 34:5 (NKJV)

“Divinations, soothsayings, and dreams are nonsense; like a woman in labor, the mind races.”

Here, divinations, soothsayings, and dreams are grouped together as vain and unreliable. The analogy of a woman in travail highlights the chaotic and often painful nature of uncontrolled thoughts. The mind, like a woman in labor, is easily agitated and prone to irrationality. This reinforces the need for discipline and self-control in our thought life. St. Macarius the Great taught, “Χρὴ οὖν προσεύχεσθαι ἡμᾶς ἐν καθαρᾷ τῇ καρδίᾳ, καὶ ἐν τῷ πνεύματι τῆς ἀληθείας.” (“Therefore, we must pray with a pure heart and in the spirit of truth” – *Homilies*). Pure prayer requires a mind free from distractions and falsehood.

Spiritual Application: Practice mental discipline and guard your mind against wandering thoughts. Cultivate a habit of prayer and meditation to center yourself in God’s presence.

Sirach 34:6-7 (KJV)

“Except they be sent from the most High in thy visitation, set not thy heart upon them. For dreams have deceived many, and they have failed that put their trust in them.”

Sirach 34:6-7 (NKJV)

“Unless they are sent from the Most High as a warning, pay no attention to them. For dreams have deceived many, and those who put their hope in them have perished.”

These verses offer a crucial caveat. While dreams are generally unreliable, God *can* use them as a means of communication “in thy visitation” – a special divine intervention. However, the warning is clear: do not *set thy heart* upon them, do not place your trust in them. The consequences of doing so are dire: deception and ruin. This acknowledges that God can work through unusual means, but emphasizes the importance of discernment and not relying solely on subjective experiences.

Spiritual Application: Be open to God’s guidance in unexpected ways, but always test the spirits and seek confirmation through scripture, prayer, and wise counsel. Trust in God above all else.

Sirach 34:8 (KJV)

“The law shall be found perfect without lies: and wisdom is perfection to a faithful mouth.”

Sirach 34:8 (NKJV)

“The law will be found perfect without falsehood; and wisdom is perfection to a faithful mouth.”

This verse contrasts the unreliability of dreams with the trustworthiness of God’s Law. The Law, embodied in the scriptures, provides a sure and steadfast guide. “Wisdom is perfection to a faithful mouth” suggests that true wisdom is expressed through righteous speech, truthful words that align with God’s commandments. This reinforces the importance of moral integrity and living in accordance with God’s will. The Coptic Church emphasizes living according to the Law of Christ, which is a Law of Love, and not of rigid rules.

Spiritual Application: Study and meditate on God’s Word, allowing it to shape your thoughts, words, and actions. Strive to speak truthfully and with kindness in all your interactions.

Sirach 34:9-12 (KJV)

“A man that hath travelled knoweth many things; and he that hath much experience will declare wisdom. He that hath no experience knoweth little: but he that hath travailed is full of subtlety. When I travelled, I saw many things; and I understand more than I can express. I was often in perils of my life; yet I was delivered according to every way.”

Sirach 34:9-12 (NKJV)

“A man of much experience knows many things, and a person of understanding reports insightful things. One without experience knows few things, but the one who has traveled is clever. I have seen many things in my travels, and I understand more than I can express. I have often been in danger of death, but have been spared because of these things.”

These verses shift the focus from dreams to the value of experience. Travel, in this context, represents a broader engagement with the world, encountering diverse perspectives and challenges. Experience cultivates wisdom and understanding. The author emphasizes the limitations of those lacking experience and the increased knowledge gained through facing adversity. The statement, “I understand more than I can express,” acknowledges the limits of language in conveying the depth of accumulated wisdom. This emphasizes that true learning often transcends mere intellectual understanding.

Spiritual Application: Embrace opportunities for growth and learning, even if they involve challenges or discomfort. Seek to learn from the experiences of others and to share your own wisdom with humility.

Sirach 34:13-17 (KJV)

“He that feareth the Lord shall do good, and he that hath knowledge of the law shall obtain the understanding of it. And though he be not quick in apprehension, he shall attain to it by diligence. The heart of a fool is like a cartwheel; and his thoughts are like rolling things. A stallion horse neigheth after every mare; so is every man given to an adulterous woman. He that goeth about as a spy shall fall into the pit: and he that lieth in wait shall be taken in the snare.”

Sirach 34:13-17 (NKJV)

“The person who fears the Lord will do good, and the one who knows the law will obtain wisdom. Though he is not quick in understanding, he will attain it through diligence. The mind of a fool is like a cartwheel, and his thoughts are like rolling things. Like a stallion eager for a mare, so is a person eager for the wife of his neighbor. The one who goes around as a spy will fall into the pit, and the one who lies in wait will be caught in the snare.”

These verses emphasize the connection between the fear of the Lord, obedience to the Law, and the attainment of wisdom. Even those who are not naturally quick learners can gain understanding through diligent study and practice. The “heart of a fool” is likened to a cartwheel, representing instability and lack of direction. This section cautions against lust and deceit, using vivid imagery to illustrate the dangers of these sins. It highlights the importance of moral integrity and avoiding temptation.

Spiritual Application: Cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord, which leads to reverence and obedience. Be diligent in your study of scripture and seek to apply its teachings to your life. Guard your heart and mind against lust and deceit.

Sirach 34:18-20 (KJV)

“He that serveth God acceptably is acceptable, and his prayer reacheth unto the clouds. The prayer of the humble pierceth the clouds: and till it come nigh, he will not be comforted; and will not depart, till the most High shall behold to judge righteously. And the Lord will not be slack, neither will the Mighty be patient toward them, till he have smitten in sunder the loins of the unmerciful, and repaid vengeance to the heathen; till he have taken away the multitude of the proud, and broken the scepter of the unrighteous;”

Sirach 34:18-20 (NKJV)

“Serving God acceptably is pleasing, and his prayer reaches to the clouds. The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds, and he will not be comforted until it comes near; nor will he depart until the Most High regards and judges righteously. The Lord will not delay, nor will the Mighty be patient toward them, until He has crushed the loins of the unmerciful and repaid vengeance to the nations; until He has taken away the multitude of the proud and broken the scepter of the unrighteous,”

This section emphasizes the power of prayer, particularly the prayer of the humble. It teaches that acceptable service to God is pleasing to Him and that prayers offered in humility will be heard and answered. The verses also speak of God’s justice, promising that He will eventually judge the unmerciful and the unrighteous. This affirms God’s sovereignty and His commitment to righteousness. The Coptic Orthodox Church places great emphasis on the power of intercessory prayer, especially the prayers of the saints.

Spiritual Application: Cultivate a life of prayer, approaching God with humility and sincerity. Trust in His justice and His faithfulness to answer the prayers of those who seek Him.

Sirach 34:21-27 (KJV)

“Till he have judged the cause of the poor, and have executed judgment for the oppressed. He that offereth sacrifice of the goods of the poor doeth as one that killeth the son before his father’s eyes. The bread of the needy is their life: he that defraudeth him thereof is a man of blood. He that taketh away his neighbour’s living slayeth him; and he that defraudeth the labourer of his hire is a bloodshedder. When one buildeth, and another destroyeth, what profit have they then but travail? when one prayeth, and another curseth, whose voice will the Lord hear? He that washeth himself after the touching of a dead body, if he touch it again, what availeth his washing? So is it with a man that fasteth for his sins, and goeth again, and doeth the same.”

Sirach 34:21-27 (NKJV)

“Until He has judged the cause of the poor and executed judgment for the oppressed. Offering a sacrifice from the goods of the poor is like killing a son before his father’s eyes. The bread of the needy is their life; whoever deprives them of it is a murderer. He who takes away his neighbor’s living slays him, and he who defrauds a worker of his wages is a blood shedder. When one builds and another tears down, what profit is there but labor? When one prays and another curses, whose voice will the Lord hear? If one washes after touching a dead body and touches it again, what good does his washing do? So it is with a person who fasts for his sins and goes again and does the same things.”

The chapter concludes with a strong emphasis on social justice and the importance of righteous living. Oppressing the poor and defrauding workers are condemned as acts of violence. The verses highlight the futility of religious practices that are not accompanied by genuine repentance and a commitment to justice. Fasting without changing one’s behavior is likened to washing after touching a dead body and then touching it again – a pointless exercise. The underlying principle is that true worship involves both inward piety and outward acts of compassion and justice. This aligns perfectly with the Coptic Orthodox practice of linking faith and good deeds in our lives.

Spiritual Application: Be mindful of the needs of the poor and oppressed. Strive to live justly in all your dealings. Ensure that your religious practices are accompanied by genuine repentance and a commitment to living a righteous life. Trust in God to guide you in acts of compassion and kindness.

Key Reflections and Teachings ✨

Here are some key takeaways from Sirach 34:

• Trust in God’s Word: Rely on the teachings of scripture and the guidance of the Church rather than on fleeting dreams or superstitions.
• Embrace Humility: Acknowledge your limitations and seek God’s wisdom in all things.
• Cultivate Discernment: Learn to distinguish between truth and falsehood, especially in the spiritual realm.
• Practice Justice: Treat others fairly and compassionately, especially the poor and oppressed.
• Live Righteously: Let your actions reflect your faith and demonstrate a commitment to living according to God’s will.
• The fear of the Lord: will lead to wisdom.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why does Sirach condemn dreams so strongly?
A: Sirach’s condemnation of dreams stems from their unreliability as a source of truth. The chapter emphasizes that true wisdom comes from God’s Word and from living a righteous life, not from fleeting and often misleading imaginations. Dreams can be deceptive and lead people astray, fostering false hopes and diverting them from the path of righteousness.

Q: Are all dreams considered evil in Coptic Orthodox theology?
A: No, not all dreams are considered evil. Sirach acknowledges that God *can* use dreams as a means of communication, but it cautions against placing undue importance on them. The key is discernment – testing the spirits and seeking confirmation through scripture, prayer, and wise counsel. The Coptic Church recognizes that God can work through various means, but it emphasizes the importance of relying on established sources of divine revelation.

Q: How can I apply the teachings of Sirach 34 to my daily life?
A: You can apply the teachings of Sirach 34 by cultivating humility, practicing discernment, living righteously, and prioritizing justice in all your dealings. This means studying God’s Word, seeking wise counsel, guarding your heart and mind against impure thoughts, treating others fairly, and standing up for the oppressed. By aligning your actions with your faith, you can demonstrate a genuine commitment to living according to God’s will.

Q: What does Sirach mean by “fearing the Lord”?
A: Fearing the Lord, in the context of Sirach, is not about being afraid of God. It is about having a deep reverence and respect for Him. It is about recognizing His holiness and His power, and responding with obedience and humility. This reverence leads to a desire to please God and to live according to His commandments, which is the foundation of true wisdom.

Conclusion ✨

Sirach 34 offers a powerful reminder to prioritize discernment and trust in God above all else. The chapter’s wisdom is a practical guide on how to navigate a world filled with distractions and unreliable sources of information. It stresses the importance of seeking truth in God’s Word and in the experiences of a life lived righteously. By cultivating humility, practicing justice, and living in accordance with God’s will, we can find true fulfillment and avoid the pitfalls of false hopes and deceptive dreams. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we are called to ground our faith in solid foundation of scripture, tradition, and the lived experiences of a spiritual life dedicated to divine worship, leading to salvation.

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Sirach, Ecclesiasticus, dreams, superstitions, trust in God, Coptic Orthodox, theology, biblical commentary, wisdom, discernment

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Explore a Coptic Orthodox commentary on Sirach 34, “True and False Dreams: Trust God, not superstitions.” Learn about the importance of discernment and relying on God’s wisdom.