Texts in Conversation
Jesus in Matthew cautions against using many words in prayer, language that resembles Sirach, which advises against repetitive speech during prayer. Both share a concern for simple, direct expression rather than excessive or performative language, which is valued in honor and shame cultures.
Share:
Sirach 7:14
Ben Sira, Ecclesiasticus
Deuterocanon
9 Do not say, "He will consider the great number of my gifts, and when I make an offering to the Most High God, he will accept it." 10 Do not grow weary when you pray; do not neglect to give alms. 11 Do not ridicule a person who is embittered in spirit, for there is One who humbles and exalts. 12 Do not devise a lie against your brother, or do the same to a friend. 13 Refuse to utter any lie, for it is a habit that results in no good. 14 Do not babble in the assembly of the elders, and do not repeat yourself when you pray.
Date: 195-175 B.C.E. (based on scholarly estimates)
Source
Matthew 6:7
New Testament
5 “Whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites because they love to pray while standing in synagogues and on street corners so that people can see them. Truly I say to you, they have their reward! 6 But whenever you pray, go into your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you. 7 When you pray, do not babble repetitiously like the Gentiles because they think that by their many words they will be heard. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 So pray this way: “Our Father in heaven, may your name be honored,
Date: 70-90 C.E. (based on scholarly estimates)
Source
Search:
Notes and References
"... Psalm 118:85 LXX also refers to verbosity in negative terms, describing how the lawless (παράνομοι) annoy the Psalmist with idle words (ἀδολεσχίας). Such Jewish examples of criticism of verbose prayers have led some commentators to read Matthew 6:7 as a problem internal to Judaism ... See also 2 Kings 9:11 LXX; Psalm 118:85 LXX; Sirach 7:14, with specific reference to prayer, and 32:9 ..."
* The use of references are not endorsements of their contents. Please read the entirety of the provided reference(s) to understand the author's full intentions regarding the use of these texts.
Your Feedback:
Leave a Comment
Anonymous comments are welcome. All comments are subject to moderation.