The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus 3

1Hear me your father, O my children, 2For the Lord has given the father glory as touching the children, 3He that honors his father will make atonement for sins: 4And he that gives glory to his mother is as one that lays up treasure. 5Whoso honors his father will have joy of his children; 6He that gives glory to his father will have length of days; 7And will do service under his parents, as to masters. The preceding words of this verse are omitted by the best authorities. 8In deed and word honor your father, 9For the blessing of the father establishes the houses of children; 10Glorify not yourself in the dishonor of your father; 11For the glory of a man is from the honor of his father; 12My son, help your father in his old age; 13And if he fails in understanding, have patience with him; while you are in your full strength. 14For the relieving of your father will not be forgotten: 15In the day of your affliction it will remember you; 16He that forsakes his father is as a blasphemer; 17My son, go on with your business in meekness; 18The greater you are, humble yourself the more, 19Verse 19 is omitted by the best authorities. 20For great is the potency of the Lord, 21Seek not things that are too hard for you, 22The things that have been commanded you, think thereupon; 23Be not over busy in your superfluous works: 24For the conceit of many has led them astray; 25Most authorities omit verse 25, and transpose the lines in verse 26. 26A stubborn heart will fare ill at the last; 27A stubborn heart will be laden with troubles; sin. Gr. sins. 28The calamity of the proud is no healing; 29The heart of the prudent will understand a parable; 30Water will quench a flaming fire; 31He that requites good turns is mindful of that which comes afterward;