Sirach 3
Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
Duties toward Parents
3 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.[a]
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.
Humility
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.[b]
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.[c]
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.
Alms for the Poor
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.
Footnotes
- Sirach 3:7 In other authorities this line is preceded by Whoever fears the Lord will honor his father,
- Sirach 3:18 Other authorities add as verse 19, Many are lofty and renowned, but to the meek he reveals his secrets.
- Sirach 3:24 Other authorities add as verse 25, If you have no eyes you will be without light; if you lack knowledge do not profess to have it.
The Revised Standard Version of the Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1965, 1966 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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