Ben Sira 3:1-8

1 Children, listen to me; I am your father. Do what I tell you and you will be safe,

2 for the Lord has given fathers authority over their children and given children the obligation to obey their mothers.

3 If you respect your father, you can make up for your sins,

4 and if you honor your mother, you are earning great wealth.

5 If you respect your father, one day your own children will make you happy; the Lord will hear your prayers.

6 If you obey the Lord by honoring your father and making your mother happy, you will live a long life.

7 Obey your parents as if you were their slave.

8 Honor your father in everything you do and say, so that you may receive his blessing. ¹

Cross References 1