Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)

1Listen to a father’s commands, and act accordingly so that you may live.

2For the Lord has glorified father over children, and he has upheld a mother’s judgment over her children.

3He who honors father will atone his sins; like one who hides a treasure is he who honors his mother.

5He who honors father will be happy in his sons, and his prayers will be heard & answered.

6. . . . . . . . that honoureth his mother.

8My son, in word and in deed honour thy father; That all blessings may overtake thee.

9The blessing of a father settleth the root; But the curse of a mother plucketh up the plant.

10Take not honour to thyself by the shame of thy father; For it is no honour unto thee.

11The honour of his father is a man's honour; And he that curseth his mother doth greatly sin.

12My son, be stedfast in honouring thy father; And forsake him not all the days of thy life.

13Yea, and though his mind fail, bear with (or help) him; And dishonour him not all the days of his life (H).

14Benefaction to a father shall not be blotted out; But it shall be planted instead of sin.

15In the day of affliction it shall be remembered unto thee, As heat upon hoar frost, to do away thine iniquities.

16For he that despiseth his father doeth presumptuously; And he that curseth his mother angereth his Creator.

17My son, in thy wealth walk in meekness (H S); And thou shalt be more beloved than he that giveth gifts.

18Minish thy soul from all the great things of the world; And before God thou shalt find mercy.

20For great is the mercy of God; And he revealeth his secret to the meek.

21Search not the things that are too wonderful for thee; And seek not that which is hid from thee.

22What thou art permitted, think thereupon; But thou hast no business with the secret things.

23And intrude not into that which is beyond thee; For thou hast been shewed that which is too great for thee.

24For many are the conceits of the sons of men; And the imaginations of thoughts (H) that make them to err.

25A hard heart shall fare ill at the last; But he that loveth good things will guide himself therein.

26Many are the sorrows of a hard heart; And he that is confident addeth iniquity to iniquity.

27Without the apple of the eye light faileth; And without knowledge wisdom faileth.

28Haste not to heal the stroke of the scorner; For there is no healing it: for he is a plant of evil planting.

29A wise heart will understand parables of the wise; And the ear that hearkeneth to wisdom shall rejoice.

30Waters quench flaming fire; So righteousness maketh atonement for sin.

31Whoso doeth good, it shall meet him in his ways (?); And in the time that he tottereth he shall find a stay.