Ben Sira 3:7-17

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
9 When parents give their blessing, they give strength to their children's homes, but when they curse their children, they destroy the very foundations.
10 Never seek honor for yourself at your father's expense; it is not to your credit if he is dishonored.
11 Your own honor comes from the respect that you show to your father. If children do not honor their mothers, it is their own disgrace.
12 My child, take care of your father when he grows old; give him no cause for worry as long as he lives.
13 Be sympathetic even if his mind fails him; don't look down on him just because you are strong and healthy.
14 The Lord will not forget the kindness you show to your father; it will help you make up for your sins.
15 When you are in trouble, the Lord will remember your kindness and will help you; your sins will melt away like frost in warm sunshine.
16 Those who abandon their parents or give them cause for anger may as well be cursing the Lord; they are already under the Lord's curse.
17 My child, be humble in everything you do, and people will appreciate it more than gifts.

Cross References 1

  • 1. 3.8Exodus 20.12.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. [Hebrew] people . . . gifts; [Greek] those whom the Lord approves will love you.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.