Sirach 3
3
Respect for Parents
1Students, I have been
like a father to you,
and you will be safe
if you do what I say.
2The Lord has told children
to honor and obey
their parents.
3If you honor your father,
your sins will be forgiven;
4show respect to your mother,
and you will be truly rich.
5Honor your father—
then your own children
will make you happy,
and God will hear them
when they pray.
6If you want to live a long time,
then you must obey the Lord
by respecting your parents;
7serve them as if you
were their slave.
8 #
Ex 20.12. If you speak to your father
with respect
and do what he asks,
he will bless you,
9and your own family
will have success.
But if your mother
places a curse on you,
your family will face ruin.
10You cannot get respect
by disgracing your parents.
11What brings honor to them
also brings honor to you.
12Help your father
as he grows old;
try not to upset him.
13And when you are strong,
but his mind is fading,
don't make fun—
instead, be patient.
14God sees your kindness,
and right away,
some of your sins
will be forgiven.
15And if you later have troubles
because of your sins,
they will all melt away
in the warmth of your kindness,
like frost in the sunshine.
16But abandoning your father
or making your mother angry
is as bad as cursing the Lord,
and so he will curse you.
Be Humble
17Students, be humble
in your work,
and you will be loved
by God's people.
18 #
Phil 2.3. The more powerful you are,
the more humble you must be
if you want the Lord
to be kind to you.
19Many people are important
and famous,
but God gives his secrets
only to the humble.#3.19 humble: Verse 19 is not in some manuscripts.
20God is extremely powerful,
and he will accept praise only
from those who are not proud.
21Don't try to learn things
you cannot understand.
22 #
Dt 29.29. Instead, think about God's Law
and don't worry about secrets
God keeps to himself.
23He has already shown you
matters beyond understanding,
and anything more
is none of your business.
24Proud thoughts have led many
to turn from following God,
and evil ideas have ruined
the way they think.
25Without eyes, you cannot see,
and without gaining knowledge
you can never get wisdom.
26If you are stubborn,
you will end up in trouble,
and if you love danger,
it will kill you someday.
27Those who are stubborn
are burdened with suffering,
and sinners carry
a heavy load of sins.
28Evil has taken root
inside the arrogant,
and so when disaster strikes,
they cannot be rescued.
29The wise always try to listen,
and they will pay attention
to a wise saying.
Give to the Poor
30Money given to the poor
brings forgiveness for sins,
just as water
puts out a fire.
31If you think that in the future
you might ever need help,
then repay other people now
when they do favors for you.
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Sirach 3: CEVDCI
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Contemporary English Version, Second Edition (CEV®)
© 2006 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.