Sirach 10:13 - For the beginning of pride is sin; And he that keeps it will pour forth abomination. For this cause the Lord brought upon them strange calamities, And overthrew them utterly.

Generated Verse: Sirach 10:13

What does "Sirach 10:13" mean?


Sirach 10:13 is a strong condemnation of pride, stating that it's the root of sin and leads to destruction. Let's break down the verse:

"For the beginning of pride is sin;" This is the foundational statement. It argues that pride isn't just a character flaw, but the source of sinful behavior. Pride makes a person believe they are superior, entitled, and beyond reproach, which in turn can cause them to commit sins of all kinds. It sets the stage for the rest of the verse. Think of pride as the seed, and sin as the plant that grows from it.

"And he that keeps it will pour forth abomination." This elaborates on the consequences of harboring pride. "Keeps it" suggests that the person actively cherishes, protects, and nurtures their pride, refusing to let go of it. The result is that they will "pour forth abomination." "Abomination" refers to something that is detestable, morally repugnant, and deeply offensive to God. In practical terms, it means that someone who is full of pride will inevitably commit acts of great wickedness.

"For this cause the Lord brought upon them strange calamities, And overthrew them utterly." This is the ultimate consequence. Because of their pride and resulting sins, God punishes them with "strange calamities." This isn't just ordinary misfortune, but divine intervention bringing about unusual and devastating troubles. The final result is being "overthrown utterly," meaning complete and utter destruction. They are brought low, losing everything they held dear.

In essence, the verse teaches the following:

Pride is the origin of sin.
Cherishing pride leads to wickedness and offensive actions.
God punishes pride with severe and total destruction.

Key takeaways:

Pride as a Root Sin: The verse emphasizes the foundational nature of pride. It's not just a* sin, but a sin that spawns other sins.
The Danger of Unchecked Pride: It's not just about feeling pride, but nurturing it. Allowing pride to take root leads to destructive behavior.
Divine Retribution: The verse highlights that God will ultimately judge and punish those who are consumed by pride and its resulting sins.

The verse serves as a warning against arrogance and a call to humility. It reminds us that true greatness comes not from elevating ourselves, but from recognizing our dependence on God and living a life of service and righteousness.

What categories does "Sirach 10:13" have?