Ben Sira 3:15-25

15 in the day of your distress it will be remembered in your favor; like frost in fair weather, your sins will melt away.
16 Whoever forsakes a father is like a blasphemer, and whoever angers a mother is cursed by the Lord.
17 My child, perform your tasks with humility; 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; but by the humble he is glorified.
21 Neither seek what is too difficult for you, nor investigate what is beyond your power.
22 Reflect upon what you have been commanded, for what is hidden is not your concern.
23 Do not meddle in matters that are beyond you, for more than you can understand has been shown you.
24 For their conceit has led many astray, and wrong opinion has impaired their judgment.
25 Without eyes there is no light; without knowledge there is no wisdom.

Footnotes 3

  • [a]. Heb: Gk [meekness]
  • [b]. Other ancient authorities add as verse 19, [Many are lofty and renowned, but to the humble he reveals his secrets.]
  • [c]. Heb: Other ancient authorities lack verse 25
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, 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.