Ben Sira 3:12-22

12 O son, help your father in his old age, and do not grieve him as long as he lives;
13 even if he is lacking in understanding, show forbearance; in all your strength do not despise him.
14 For kindness to a father will not be forgotten, and against your sins it will be credited to you;
15 in the day of your affliction it will be remembered in your favor; as frost in fair weather, your sins will melt away.
16 Whoever forsakes his father is like a blasphemer, and whoever angers his mother is cursed by the Lord.
17 My son, perform your tasks in meekness; then you will be loved by those whom God accepts.
18 The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself; so you will find favor in the sight of the Lord.
20 For great is the might of the Lord; he is glorified by the humble.
21 Seek not what is too difficult for you, nor investigate what is beyond your power.
22 Reflect upon what has been assigned to you, for you do not need what is hidden.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.