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Sirach 3, RSV

3:1 Listen to me your father, O children; and act accordingly, that you may be kept in safety.

3:2 For the Lord honored the father above the children, and he confirmed the right of the mother over her sons.

3:3 Whoever honors his father atones for sins,

3:4 and whoever glorifies his mother is like one who lays up treasure.

3:5 Whoever honors his father will be gladdened by his own children, and when he prays he will be heard.

3:6 Whoever glorifies his father will have long life, and whoever obeys the Lord will refresh his mother;

3:7 he will serve his parents as his masters.

3:8 Honor your father by word and deed, that a blessing from him may come upon you.

3:9 For a father's blessing strengthens the houses of the children, but a mother's curse uproots their foundations.

3:10 Do not glorify yourself by dishonoring your father, for your father's dishonor is no glory to you.

3:11 For a man's glory comes from honoring his father, and it is a disgrace for children not to respect their mother.

3:12 O son, help your father in his old age, and do not grieve him as long as he lives;

3:13 even if he is lacking in understanding, show forbearance; in all your strength do not despise him.

3:14 For kindness to a father will not be forgotten, and against your sins it will be credited to you;

3:15 in the day of your affliction it will be remembered in your favor; as frost in fair weather, your sins will melt away.

3:16 Whoever forsakes his father is like a blasphemer, and whoever angers his mother is cursed by the Lord.

3:17 My son, perform your tasks in meekness; then you will be loved by those whom God accepts.

3:18 The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself; so you will find favor in the sight of the Lord.

3:20 For great is the might of the Lord; he is glorified by the humble.

3:21 Seek not what is too difficult for you, nor investigate what is beyond your power.

3:22 Reflect upon what has been assigned to you, for you do not need what is hidden.

3:23 Do not meddle in what is beyond your tasks, for matters too great for human understanding have been shown you.

3:24 For their hasty judgment has led many astray, and wrong opinion has caused their thoughts to slip.

3:26 A stubborn mind will be afflicted at the end, and whoever loves danger will perish by it.

3:27 A stubborn mind will be burdened by troubles, and the sinner will heap sin upon sin.

3:28 The affliction of the proud has no healing, for a plant of wickedness has taken root in him.

3:29 The mind of the intelligent man will ponder a parable, and an attentive ear is the wise man's desire.

3:30 Water extinguishes a blazing fire: so almsgiving atones for sin.

3:31 Whoever requites favors gives thought to the future; at the moment of his falling he will find support.

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