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