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