Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Chapter 3

¹Hear me your father, O children, and do thereafter, that ye may be safe. ²For the Lord hath given the father honour over the children, and hath confirmed the authority of the mother over the sons. ³Whoso honoureth his father maketh an atonement for his sins: ⁴And he that honoureth his mother is as one that layeth up treasure. ⁵Whoso honoureth his father shall have joy of his own children; and when he maketh his prayer, he shall be heard. ⁶He that honoureth his father shall have a long life; and he that is obedient unto the Lord shall be a comfort to his mother. ⁷He that feareth the Lord will honour his father, and will do service unto his parents, as to his masters. ⁸Honour thy father and mother both in word and deed, that a blessing may come upon thee from them.

⁹For the blessing of the father establisheth the houses of children; but the curse of the mother rooteth out foundations. ¹⁰Glory not in the dishonour of thy father; for thy father’s dishonour is no glory unto thee. ¹¹For the glory of a man is from the honour of his father; and a mother in dishonour is a reproach to the children. ¹²My son, help thy father in his age, and grieve him not as long as he liveth. ¹³And if his understanding fail, have patience with him; and despise him not when thou art in thy full strength. ¹⁴For the relieving of thy father shall not be forgotten: and instead of sins it shall be added to build thee up. ¹⁵In the day of thine affliction it shall be remembered; thy sins also shall melt away, as the ice in the fair warm weather. ¹⁶He that forsaketh his father is as a blasphemer; and he that angereth his mother is cursed: of God.

¹⁷My son, go on with thy business in meekness; so shalt thou be beloved of him that is approved. ¹⁸The greater thou art, the more humble thyself, and thou shalt find favour before the Lord. ¹⁹Many are in high place, and of renown: but mysteries are revealed unto the meek. ²⁰For the power of the Lord is great, and he is honoured of the lowly. ²¹Seek not out things that are too hard for thee, neither search the things that are above thy strength. ²²But 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. ²³Be not curious in unnecessary matters: for more things are shewed unto thee than men understand. ²⁴For many are deceived by their own vain opinion; and an evil suspicion hath overthrown their judgment.

²⁵Without eyes thou shalt want light: profess not the knowledge therefore that thou hast not. ²⁶A stubborn heart shall fare evil at the last; and he that loveth danger shall perish therein. ²⁷An obstinate heart shall be laden with sorrows; and the wicked man shall heap sin upon sin. ²⁸In the punishment of the proud there is no remedy; for the plant of wickedness hath taken root in him. ²⁹The heart of the prudent will understand a parable; and an attentive ear is the desire of a wise man. ³⁰Water will quench a flaming fire; and alms maketh an atonement for sins. ³¹And he that requiteth good turns is mindful of that which may come hereafter; and when he falleth, he shall find a stay.