Sirach 3

1Listen to me your father, O children;

and act accordingly, that you may be kept in safety.

2For the Lord honored the father above the children,

and he confirmed the right of the mother over her sons.

3Whoever honors his father atones for sins,

4and whoever glorifies his mother is like one who lays up treasure.

5Whoever honors his father will be gladdened by his own children,

and when he prays he will be heard.

6Whoever glorifies his father will have long life,

and whoever obeys the Lord will refresh his mother;

7he will serve his parents as his masters.a

8Honor your father by word and deed,

that a blessing from him may come upon you.

9For a father's blessing strengthens the houses of the children,

but a mother's curse uproots their foundations.

10Do not glorify yourself by dishonoring your father,

for your father's dishonor is no glory to you.

11For a man's glory comes from honoring his father,

and it is a disgrace for children not to respect their mother.

12O son, help your father in his old age,

and do not grieve him as long as he lives;

13even if he is lacking in understanding, show forbearance;

in all your strength do not despise him.

14For kindness to a father will not be forgotten,

and against your sins it will be credited to you;

15in the day of your affliction it will be remembered in your favor;

as frost in fair weather, your sins will melt away.

16Whoever forsakes his father is like a blasphemer,

and whoever angers his mother is cursed by the Lord.

17My son, perform your tasks in meekness;

then you will be loved by those whom God accepts.

18The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself;

so you will find favor in the sight of the Lord.b

20For great is the might of the Lord;

he is glorified by the humble.

21Seek not what is too difficult for you,

nor investigate what is beyond your power.

22Reflect upon what has been assigned to you,

for you do not need what is hidden.

23Do not meddle in what is beyond your tasks,

for matters too great for human understanding have been shown you.

24For their hasty judgment has led many astray,

and wrong opinion has caused their thoughts to slip.c

26A stubborn mind will be afflicted at the end,

and whoever loves danger will perish by it.

27A stubborn mind will be burdened by troubles,

and the sinner will heap sin upon sin.

28The affliction of the proud has no healing,

for a plant of wickedness has taken root in him.

29The mind of the intelligent man will ponder a parable,

and an attentive ear is the wise man's desire.

30Water extinguishes a blazing fire:

so almsgiving atones for sin.

31Whoever requites favors gives thought to the future;

at the moment of his falling he will find support.