Sirach 3
3
Sirach 3
Duties toward Parents
1Listen to me your father, O children;
act accordingly, that you may be safe.
2 #
Ex 20.12; Sir 7.27 For the Lord honors a father above his children,
and he confirms a mother’s judgment over her sons.
3 #
vv 14, 15
Those who honor their father atone for sins,
4 #
1 Tim 6.19
and those who respect their mother are like those who lay up treasure.
5Those who honor their father will have joy in their children,
and when they pray they will be heard.
6 #
Ex 20.12
Those who respect their father will have long life,
and those who honor#3.6 Heb: Other ancient authorities read comfort their mother obey the Lord;#3.6 Heb: Gk and those who obey the Lord honor their mother
7 #
Lk 2.51; Eph 6.1; Col 3.20 they will serve their parents as their masters.#3.7 In other ancient authorities this line is preceded by Those who fear the Lord honor their father,
8 #
Ex 20.12; Sir 7.27 Honor your father by word and deed,
that his blessing may come upon you.
9 #
Gn 27.27–29; 49.2–27 For a father’s blessing strengthens the houses of the children,
but a mother’s curse uproots their foundations.
10Do not glorify yourself by your father’s dishonor,
for your father’s dishonor is no glory to you.
11 #
Prov 17.6
The honor of one’s father is one’s own glory,
and a mother dishonored is a disgrace to her children.
12 #
Mt 15.4–6; Mk 7.10–13; 1 Tim 5.4 My child, help your father in his old age,
and do not grieve him as long as he lives;
13even if his mind fails, be patient with him;
do not despise him because you have all your faculties.
14 #
v 3
; Prov 23.22For kindness to a father will not be forgotten
and will be credited to you against your sins;
15in the day of your distress it will be remembered in your favor;
like frost in fair weather, your sins will melt away.
16 #
Prov 30.17
Whoever forsakes a father is like a blasphemer,
and whoever angers a mother is cursed by the Lord.
Humility
17My child, perform your tasks with humility;
then you will be loved more than a giver of gifts.#3.17 Heb Syr: Gk more than an acceptable person
18 #
Prov 3.34; Phil 2.3; 1 Pet 5.5 The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself;
so you will find favor in the sight of the Lord.#3.18 Other ancient authorities add as 3.19, Many are lofty and renowned, but to the humble he reveals his secrets.
20For great is the might of the Lord,
but by the humble he is glorified.
21 #
Ps 131.1; Rom 12.3 Neither seek what is too difficult for you
nor investigate what is beyond your power.
22 #
Deut 29.29
Reflect upon what you have been commanded,
for what is hidden is not your concern.
23 #
2 Thess 3.11
In matters greater than your own affairs, do not meddle,
for things beyond human understanding have been shown you.
24 #
Prov 26.12; Rom 12.16 For their conceit has led many astray,
and wrong opinion has impaired their judgment.
25Without eyes there is no light;
without knowledge there is no wisdom.#3.25 Heb: Other ancient authorities lack 3.25
26A stubborn mind will fare badly at the end,
and whoever loves danger will perish in it.
27 #
Isa 30.1; Sir 5.5; 7.8 A stubborn mind will be burdened by troubles,
and the sinner adds sin to sins.
28 #
Prov 28.14
When calamity befalls the proud, there is no healing,
for an evil plant has taken root in him.
29 #
Prov 1.6
The mind of the intelligent appreciates proverbs,
and an attentive ear is the desire of the wise.
Alms for the Poor
30 #
Ps 41.1, 2; Dan 4.27; Tob 4.10 As water extinguishes a blazing fire,
so almsgiving atones for sin.
31 #
Mt 5.7
Those who repay favors give thought to the future;
when they fall they will find support.
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Sirach 3: NRSVUE
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New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition, copyright © 2021 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.