Sirach 3

1. 1Hear me your father, O children, and do thereafter, that ye may be safe.
2. 2For the Lord hath given the father honour over the children, and hath confirmed the authority of the mother over the sons.
3. 3Whoso honoureth his father maketh an atonement for his sins:
4. 4And he that honoureth his mother is as one that layeth up treasure.
5. 5Whoso honoureth his father shall have joy of his own children; and when he maketh his prayer, he shall be heard.
6. 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.
7. 7He that feareth the Lord will honour his father, and will do service unto his parents, as to his masters.
8. 8Honour thy father and mother both in word and deed, that a blessing may come upon thee from them.
9. 9For the blessing of the father establisheth the houses of children; but the curse of the mother rooteth out foundations.
10. 10Glory not in the dishonour of thy father; for thy father’s dishonour is no glory unto thee.
11. 11For the glory of a man is from the honour of his father; and a mother in dishonour is a reproach to the children.
12. 12My son, help thy father in his age, and grieve him not as long as he liveth.
13. 13And if his understanding fail, have patience with him; and despise him not when thou art in thy full strength.
14. 14For the relieving of thy father shall not be forgotten: and instead of sins it shall be added to build thee up.
15. 15In the day of thine affliction it shall be remembered; thy sins also shall melt away, as the ice in the fair warm weather.
16. 16He that forsaketh his father is as a blasphemer; and he that angereth his mother is cursed: of God.
17. 17My son, go on with thy business in meekness; so shalt thou be beloved of him that is approved.
18. 18The greater thou art, the more humble thyself, and thou shalt find favour before the Lord.
19. 19Many are in high place, and of renown: but mysteries are revealed unto the meek.
20. 20For the power of the Lord is great, and he is honoured of the lowly.
21. 21Seek not out things that are too hard for thee, neither search the things that are above thy strength.
22. 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.
23. 23Be not curious in unnecessary matters: for more things are shewed unto thee than men understand.
24. 24For many are deceived by their own vain opinion; and an evil suspicion hath overthrown their judgment.
25. 25Without eyes thou shalt want light: profess not the knowledge therefore that thou hast not.
26. 26A stubborn heart shall fare evil at the last; and he that loveth danger shall perish therein.
27. 27An obstinate heart shall be laden with sorrows; and the wicked man shall heap sin upon sin.
28. 28In the punishment of the proud there is no remedy; for the plant of wickedness hath taken root in him.
29. 29The heart of the prudent will understand a parable; and an attentive ear is the desire of a wise man.
30. 30Water will quench a flaming fire; and alms maketh an atonement for sins.
31. 31And he that requiteth good turns is mindful of that which may come hereafter; and when he falleth, he shall find a stay.

King James Version (Authorized Version), public domain. USFM edition by eBible.org (https://ebible.org/eng-kjv/). Public Domain. Sources and licences