Sirach 23:4 - O Lord, Father and God of my life, Give me not a proud look,

Generated Verse: Sirach 23:4

What does "Sirach 23:4" mean?


The verse "O Lord, Father and God of my life, Give me not a proud look," from Sirach 23:4 is a prayer asking God to protect the speaker from developing or displaying arrogance and pride. Let's break down the meaning:

"O Lord, Father and God of my life": This is an invocation of God, emphasizing His authority, paternal care, and the all-encompassing role He plays in the speaker's existence. It establishes a relationship of dependence and reverence.

"Give me not a proud look": This is the core request. It goes beyond simply asking God to prevent the speaker from feeling pride. A "proud look" signifies an outward expression of pride that can manifest in:

Arrogance: A sense of superiority over others.
Haughtiness: A disdainful or condescending attitude.
Vanity: Excessive pride in one's own appearance or accomplishments.
Self-righteousness: A belief in one's own moral superiority.
Disdain: A feeling that something is unworthy of one's consideration or respect.

The speaker recognizes that pride, and especially the expression of pride, is a dangerous and undesirable trait. It can damage relationships, lead to poor judgment, and, most importantly, offend God, who opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34, James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5).

Therefore, the verse is a plea for God's help in cultivating humility and avoiding the outward manifestations of pride that can be detrimental to both the individual and their relationships with others. The speaker understands that maintaining humility is a constant battle and relies on God's grace to avoid the pitfall of a "proud look." In essence, it is a prayer for inner and outer humility.

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