Wisdom of Sirach 3
1Hear me your father, O children, and do thereafter, that you may be safe.
2For the Lord has given the father honor over the children, and has confirmed the authority of the mother over the sons.
3Whoso honors his father makes an atonement for his sins:
4And he that honors his mother is as one that lays up treasure.
5Whoso honors his father shall have joy of his own children; and when he makes his prayer, he shall be heard.
6He that honors his father shall have a long life; and he that is obedient to the Lord shall be a comfort to his mother.
7He that fears the Lord will honor his father, and will do service to his parents, as to his masters.
8Honor your father and mother both in word and deed, that a blessing may come upon you from them.
9For the blessing of the father establishes the houses of children; but the curse of the mother roots out foundations.
10Glory not in the dishonor of your father; for your father's dishonor is no glory to you.
11For the glory of a man is from the honor of his father; and a mother in dishonor is a reproach to the children.
12My son, help your father in his age, and grieve him not as long as he lives.
13And if his understanding fail, have patience with him; and despise him not when you are in your full strength.
14For the relieving of your father shall not be forgotten: and instead of sins it shall be added to build you up.
15In the day of your affliction it shall be remembered; your sins also shall melt away, as the ice in the fair warm weather.
16He that forsakes his father is as a blasphemer; and he that angers his mother is cursed: of God.
17My son, go on with your business in meekness; so shall you be beloved of him that is approved.
18The greater you are, the more humble yourself, and you shall find favor before the Lord.
19Many are in high place, and of renown: but mysteries are revealed to the meek.
20For the power of the Lord is great, and he is honored of the lowly.
21Seek not out things that are too hard for you, neither search the things that are above your strength.
22But what is commanded you, think thereupon with reverence, for it is not needful for you to see with your eyes the things that are in secret.
23Be not curious in unnecessary matters: for more things are showed to you than men understand.
24For many are deceived by their own vain opinion; and an evil suspicion has overthrown their judgment.
25Without eyes you shall lack light: profess not the knowledge therefore that you have not.
26A stubborn heart shall fare evil at the last; and he that loves danger shall perish therein.
27An obstinate heart shall be laden with sorrows; and the wicked man shall heap sin upon sin.
28In the punishment of the proud there is no remedy; for the plant of wickedness has taken root in him.
29The heart of the prudent will understand a parable; and an attentive ear is the desire of a wise man.
30Water will quench a flaming fire; and alms makes an atonement for sins.
31And he that requites good turns is mindful of that which may come hereafter; and when he falls, he shall find a stay.
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