1:19One MessageMany witnesses · one GOD
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Plain text of Sirach 3

3:1 Hear me your father, O children, and do thereafter, that ye may be safe.

3:2 For the Lord hath given the father honour over the children, and hath confirmed the authority of the mother over the sons.

3:3 Whoso honoureth his father maketh an atonement for his sins:

3:4 and he that honoureth his mother is as one that layeth up treasure.

3:5 Whoso honoureth his father shall have joy of [his own] children; and when he maketh his prayer, he shall be heard.

3:6 He that honoureth his father shall have a long life; and he that is obedient unto the Lord shall be a comfort to his mother,

3:7 and will do service unto his parents, as to his masters.

3:8 Honour thy father and mother both in word and deed, that a blessing may come upon thee from them.

3:9 For the blessing of the father establisheth the houses of children; but the curse of the mother rooteth out foundations.

3:10 Glory not in the dishonour of thy father; for thy father's dishonour is no glory unto thee.

3:11 For the glory of a man is from the honour of his father; and a mother in dishonour is a reproach to the children.

3:12 My son, help thy father in his age, and grieve him not as long as he liveth.

3:13 And if his understanding fail, have patience with him; and despise him not when thou art in thy full strength.

3:14 For the relieving of thy father shall not be forgotten: and instead of sins it shall be added to build thee up.

3:15 In the day of thine affliction it shall be remembered; thy sins also shall melt away, as the ice in the fair warm weather.

3:16 He that forsaketh his father is as a blasphemer; and he that angereth his mother is cursed of God.

3:17 My son, go on with thy business in meekness; so shalt thou be beloved of him that is approved.

3:18 The greater thou art, the more humble thyself, and thou shalt find favour before the Lord.

3:20 For the power of the Lord is great, and he is honoured of the lowly.

3:21 Seek not out the things that are too hard for thee, neither search the things that are above thy strength.

3:22 But 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.

3:23 Be not curious in unnecessary matters; for more things are shewed unto thee than men understand.

3:24 For many are deceived by their own vain opinion; and an evil suspicion hath overthrown their judgment.

3:26 A stubborn heart shall fare evil at the last; and he that loveth danger shall perish therein.

3:27 An obstinate heart shall be laden with sorrows; and the wicked man shall heap sin upon sin.

3:28 In the punishment of the proud there is no remedy; for the plant of wickedness hath taken root in him.

3:29 The heart of the prudent will understand a parable; and an attentive ear is the desire of a wise man.

3:30 Water will quench a flaming fire; and alms maketh an atonement for sins.

3:31 And he that requiteth good turns is mindful of that which may come hereafter; and when he falleth, he shall find a stay.