【Sirach】Chapter 3 << Last Chapter Next Chapter >>

3:1 Children, pay heed to a father’s right; do so that you may live.

3:2 For the LORD sets a father in honor over his children; a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons.

3:3 He who honors his father atones for sins;

3:4 he stores up riches who reveres his mother.

3:5 He who honors his father is gladdened by children, and when he prays he is heard.

3:6 He who reveres his father will live a long life; he obeys the LORD who brings comfort to his mother.

3:7 He who fears the LORD honors his father, and serves his parents as rulers.

3:8 In word and deed honor your father that his blessing may come upon you;

3:9 For a father’s blessing gives a family firm roots, but a mother’s curse uproots the growing plant.

3:10 Glory not in your father’s shame, for his shame is no glory to you!

3:11 His father’s honor is a man’s glory; disgrace for her children, a mother’s shame.

3:12 My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives.

3:13 Even if his mind fail, be considerate with him; revile him not in the fullness of your strength.

3:14 For kindness to a father will not be forgotten, it will serve as a sin offering ?it will take lasting root.

3:15 In time of tribulation it will be recalled to your advantage, like warmth upon frost it will melt away your sins.

3:16 A blasphemer is he who despises his father; accursed of his Creator, he who angers his mother.

3:17 My son, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts.

3:18 Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God.

3:19 For great is the power of God; by the humble he is glorified.

3:20 What is too sublime for you, seek not, into things beyond your strength search not.

3:21 What is committed to you, attend to; for what is hidden is not your concern.

3:22 With what is too much for you meddle not, when shown things beyond human understanding.

3:23 Their own opinion has misled many, and false reasoning unbalanced their judgment.

3:24 Where the pupil of the eye is missing, there is no light, and where there is no knowledge, there is no wisdom.

3:25 A stubborn man will fare badly in the end, and he who loves danger will perish in it.

3:26 A stubborn man will be burdened with sorrow; a sinner will heap sin upon sin.

3:27 For the affliction of the proud man there is no cure; he is the offshoot of an evil plant.

3:28 The mind of a sage appreciates proverbs, and an attentive ear is the wise man’s joy.

3:29 Water quenches a flaming fire, and alms atone for sins.

3:30 He who does a kindness is remembered afterward; when he falls, he finds a support.

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