Duties towards Parents

1Listen to me your father, O children;

act accordingly, that you may be kept in safety.

2For the Lord honours a father above his children,

and he confirms a mother's right over her children.

3Those who honour their father atone for sins,

4and those who respect their mother are like those who lay up treasure.

5Those who honour their father will have joy in their own children,

and when they pray they will be heard.

6Those who respect their father will have long life,

and those who honour3.6 Heb: Other ancient authorities read comfort their mother obey the Lord;

7they will serve their parents as their masters.3.7 In other ancient authorities this line is preceded by Those who fear the Lord honour their father,

8Honour your father by word and deed,

that his blessing may come upon you.

9For a father's blessing strengthens the houses of the children,

but a mother's curse uproots their foundations.

10Do not glorify yourself by dishonouring your father,

for your father's dishonour is no glory to you.

11The glory of one's father is one's own glory,

and it is a disgrace for children not to respect their mother.

12My child, help your father in his old age,

and do not grieve him as long as he lives;

13even if his mind fails, be patient with him;

because you have all your faculties do not despise him.

14For kindness to a father will not be forgotten,

and will be credited to you against your sins;

15in the day of your distress it will be remembered in your favour;

like frost in fair weather, your sins will melt away.

16Whoever forsakes a father is like a blasphemer,

and whoever angers a mother is cursed by the Lord.

Humility

17My child, perform your tasks with humility;3.17 Heb: Gk meekness

then you will be loved by those whom God accepts.

18The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself;

so you will find favour in the sight of the Lord.3.18 Other ancient authorities add as verse 19, Many are lofty and renowned, but to the humble he reveals his secrets.

20For great is the might of the Lord;

but by the humble he is glorified.

21Neither seek what is too difficult for you,

nor investigate what is beyond your power.

22Reflect upon what you have been commanded,

for what is hidden is not your concern.

23Do not meddle in matters that are beyond you,

for more than you can understand has been shown to you.

24For their conceit has led many astray,

and wrong opinion has impaired their judgement.

25Without eyes there is no light;

without knowledge there is no wisdom.3.25 Heb: Other ancient authorities lack verse 25

26A stubborn mind will fare badly at the end,

and whoever loves danger will perish in it.

27A stubborn mind will be burdened by troubles,

and the sinner adds sin to sins.

28When calamity befalls the proud, there is no healing,

for an evil plant has taken root in him.

29The mind of the intelligent appreciates proverbs,

and an attentive ear is the desire of the wise.

Alms for the Poor

30As water extinguishes a blazing fire,

so almsgiving atones for sin.

31Those who repay favours give thought to the future;

when they fall they will find support.