Sirach 3

1Listen, children, to a father's instruction, and do so that you may live.

2For Yahweh honored the father above the children, and he established the mother's authority over her children.

3Whoever honors his father makes atonement for his sins, and whoever honors his mother stores up treasure.

4And whoever honors his mother is like one who stores up treasure.

5Whoever honors his father will rejoice in his children, and his prayer will be heard and answered.

6Whoever honors his father will have long days, and whoever honors his mother repays God.

7and he will serve those who begot him as masters.

8My son, honor your father in word and deed, so that all blessings may come upon you.

9A father's blessing establishes roots, but a mother's curse uproots a plant.

10Do not glorify yourself in your father's disgrace, for it is no honor to you.

11For a man's honor is the honor of his father, and one who dishonors his mother multiplies sin.

12My son, be strong in honoring your father, and do not forsake him all the days of your life.

13Even if a man lacks understanding, be patient with him, and do not shame him all the days of his life.

14A father's righteousness will not be wiped away, and in place of sins it will be planted.

15In the day of distress it will be remembered for your benefit; like heat upon frost, your sins will be blotted out.

16For one who despises his father is insolent, and one who provokes his mother is cursed by his Creator.

17My son, in your prosperity walk in humility, and you will be loved more than one who gives gifts.

18The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself, and before God you will find mercy.

19Many are lofty and renowned, but mysteries are revealed to the gentle.

20For the mercies of God are many, and to the humble he reveals his secret.

21Do not seek what is too wondrous for you, and do not search out what is hidden from you.

22Consider what you have been commanded, and you have no business with hidden things.

23Do not probe into what is beyond you, for what is too great for you has been shown to you.

24For many are the speculations of the sons of man, and evil imaginings lead astray.

25A heavy heart will come to ruin in the end, and one who loves good things will be led by them.

26A heavy heart multiplies its pains, and one who behaves recklessly adds sin upon sin.

27Without the pupil, light is lacking; and without knowledge, wisdom is lacking.

28Do not hurry to heal the wound of a scoffer, for there is no healing for it, for they were planted from an evil planting.

29The heart of the wise understands the sayings of the wise, and an attentive ear rejoices in wisdom.

30Water extinguishes a blazing fire; so almsgiving makes atonement for sin.

31One who does good will be called blessed for his ways, and at the time of his stumbling he will find support.