Meaning of Sirach 9:12

[ChristinaAH]

Does Sirach 9:12 mean it’s sinful to compliment an unbeliever or be happy when an unbeliever succeeds in something?

 

[Lee1]

Sirach 9:12 “do not delight in what pleases the ungodly; remember that they will not be held guiltless as long as they live.”

I would also like to know the answer to this but it occurs to me that if you are a believer and godly and what pleases you happens to please them too then how can it be sinful to be pleased? As for complimenting them, if taken at face value it does seem to warn against this especially if you are complimenting them for something which doesn’t actually please you. In such case honesty and integrity with our beliefs would dictate that we should only compliment another or celebrate a thing if we are pleased by it, in which case, being godly, we will be faithful to scripture.

I’d suggest someone else may be far wiser on the matter, but these are my thoughts for what they’re worth. If in doubt perhaps you should consult your priest.

 

[Lee1]

It also occurs to me that perhaps you should avoid the company of ungodly people in case you are drawn to sin yourself? Not an easy option in this modern world I’m sure.

 

[ChristinaAH]

I try not to form close friendships with unbelievers. Association is fine, but I think it’s important not to be unequally yoked.

Do you think it would be okay to compliment an unbeliever on their artwork or talent? Or cheer up a depressed classmate by complimenting them (as long as the compliment is true)?

 

[Lee1]

Using the filter of Sirach 9:12, if someone’s art gives you pleasure and you are godly then it would be taken as a compliment if you expressed your joy at the sight, in other words they must draw the compliment out of the expression of your joy, that is apparent in your demeanour after all.

Again complimenting a friend I can see could be achieved by mentioning something about them which you genuinely like and let them feel that as a compliment.

These are tricky things and if you are serious about wanting to abide by scripture especially the book of Sirach then you should take extreme care in your dealings with the ungodly. And I would suggest you ask a professional for advice. I am but dust and ashes.

God bless.

 

[Lee1]

As a final thought, I would not like my religion to become a straight jacket, we should be also using the filter of love and charity in our dealings with others.

 

[PaladinSword]

It means to seek virtue and higher union with god and not vice or the worldly pleasures of the ungodly.

 

[ShowersofRoses]

Does Sirach 9:12 mean it’s sinful to compliment an unbeliever or be happy when an unbeliever succeeds in something?

No.

Do not delight in what pleases the ungodly;
remember that they will not be held guiltless as long as they live. Sirach 9:12

This means that you shouldn’t take delight in something sinful that the ungodly person is enjoying. The point is a warning to not participate in or condone something sinful, even if the unbeliever doesn’t seem to be experiencing ill effects. It doesn’t mean that you couldn’t enjoy something that wasn’t sinful, just because the unbelieving person was also enjoying it.

Do you think it would be okay to compliment an unbeliever on their artwork or talent? Or cheer up a depressed classmate by complimenting them (as long as the compliment is true)?

Of course you can compliment someone on their artwork or talent! If you like what they created or admire their talent, then you should tell them. Why wouldn’t you? And of course you can try and cheer up a depressed classmate by being friendly and encouraging, that would be a spiritual work of mercy.

The point is that you shouldn’t shun unbelievers…you would have to go hide in a cave to do that. You can have friends and be friendly with people from any background and belief. You’re meant to share Christ’s love with everyone. That’s the point of being a light on a hill. We’re supposed to be Jesus’ actual hands and feet to the people in our lives.

Now, not everyone you meet will be a close friend, but there’s no reason to be rude or unfriendly to unbelievers…in fact that is the opposite of how Christ wants us to act. Just pray and ask to be filled with the Spirit and try and treat people the way you want to be treated–the Golden Rule and all that.

If you’re filled the joy that comes from God, and it’s spilling out of you onto others, they will want to know where you get that joy, and they will want to know the Jesus that you know. If you can’t even give them a compliment because they don’t share your beliefs, how do you think they are going to think of Jesus then?

Just some things to think about.