Bible, Revised Standard Version


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Wisdom of Jesus Son of Sirach


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Sir.3

[1] Listen to me your father, O children;
and act accordingly, that you may be kept in safety.
[2] For the Lord honored the father above the children,
and he confirmed the right of the mother over her sons.
[3] Whoever honors his father atones for sins,
[4] and whoever glorifies his mother is like one
who lays up treasure.
[5] Whoever honors his father will be gladdened
by his own children,
and when he prays he will be heard.
[6] Whoever glorifies his father will have long life,
and whoever obeys the Lord will refresh his mother;
[7] he will serve his parents as his masters.
[8] Honor your father by word and deed,
that a blessing from him may come upon you.
[9] For a father's blessing strengthens the houses of the children,
but a mother's curse uproots their foundations.

[10] Do not glorify yourself by dishonoring your father,
for your father's dishonor is no glory to you.
[11] For a man's glory comes from honoring his father,
and it is a disgrace for children not to respect their mother.
[12] O son, help your father in his old age,
and do not grieve him as long as he lives;
[13] even if he is lacking in understanding, show forbearance;
in all your strength do not despise him.
[14] For kindness to a father will not be forgotten,
and against your sins it will be credited to you;
[15] in the day of your affliction it will be remembered
in your favor;
as frost in fair weather, your sins will melt away.
[16] Whoever forsakes his father is like a blasphemer,
and whoever angers his mother is cursed by the Lord.

[17] My son, perform your tasks in meekness;
then you will be loved by those whom God accepts.
[18] The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself;
so you will find favor in the sight of the Lord.
[20] For great is the might of the Lord;
he is glorified by the humble.
[21] Seek not what is too difficult for you,
nor investigate what is beyond your power.
[22] Reflect upon what has been assigned to you,
for you do not need what is hidden.
[23] Do not meddle in what is beyond your tasks,
for matters too great for human understanding
have been shown you.
[24] For their hasty judgment has led many astray,
and wrong opinion has caused their thoughts to slip.

[26] A stubborn mind will be afflicted at the end,
and whoever loves danger will perish by it.
[27] A stubborn mind will be burdened by troubles,
and the sinner will heap sin upon sin.
[28] The affliction of the proud has no healing,
for a plant of wickedness has taken root in him.
[29] The mind of the intelligent man will ponder a parable,
and an attentive ear is the wise man's desire.
[30] Water extinguishes a blazing fire:
so almsgiving atones for sin.
[31] Whoever requites favors gives thought to the future;
at the moment of his falling he will find support.


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