Sirach 3

Listen to me your father, O children; and act accordingly, that you may be kept in safety.

For the Lord honored the father above the children, and he confirmed the right of the mother over her sons.

Whoever honors his father atones for sins, and preserves himself from them. When he prays, he is heard;

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

Whoever honors his father will be gladdened by his own children, and when he prays he will be heard.

Whoever glorifies his father will have long life, and whoever obeys the Lord will refresh his mother;

he will serve his parents as his masters.

Honor your father by word and deed, that a blessing from him may come upon you.

For a father’s blessing strengthens the houses of the children, but a mother’s curse uproots their foundations.

Do not glorify yourself by dishonoring your father, for your father’s dishonor is no glory to you.

For a man’s glory comes from honoring his father, and it is a disgrace for children not to respect their mother.

O son, help your father in his old age, and do not grieve him as long as he lives;

even if he is lacking in understanding, show forbearance; and do not despise him all the days of his life.

For kindness to a father will not be forgotten, and against your sins it will be credited to you —a house raised in justice to you.

in the day of your affliction it will be remembered in your favor; as frost in fair weather, your sins will melt away.

Whoever forsakes his father is like a blasphemer, and whoever angers his mother is cursed by the Lord.

My son, perform your tasks in meekness; then you will be loved more than a giver of gifts.

The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself; so you will find favor with God.

There are many who are noble and renowned, but it is to the humble that he reveals his mysteries.

For great is the might of the Lord; he is glorified by the humble.

Seek not what is too difficult for you, nor investigate what is beyond your power.

Reflect upon what has been assigned to you, and do not be curious about many of his works, for you do not need to see with your eyes what is hidden.

Do not meddle in what is beyond your tasks, for matters too great for human understanding have been shown you.

For their hasty judgment has led many astray, and wrong opinion has caused their thoughts to slip.

A stubborn mind will be afflicted at the end, and whoever loves danger will perish by it.

A stubborn mind will be burdened by troubles, and the sinner will heap sin upon sin.

The affliction of the proud has no healing, for a plant of wickedness has taken root in them, though it will not be perceived.

The mind of the wise man will ponder the words of the wise, and an attentive ear is the wise man’s desire.

Water extinguishes a blazing fire: so almsgiving atones for sin.

Whoever repays favors gives thought to the future; at the moment of his falling he will find support.