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Honor your father and mother in deed and word, so that blessings from them may come to you. Be meek, reasonable and careful in your actions, merciful to those in need of mercy. Sir.3:1 Children, listen to me, father, and do so that you may be saved, 1. To be saved, i.e. to earn favor in the eyes of God and in people. Sir.3:2 For the Lord has exalted the father over the children and established the judgment of the mother over the sons. 2. The authority of parents over children is sanctified by divine law. Sir.3:3 He who honors his father will be cleansed from sins, Sir.3:4 and he who respects his mother is like one who acquires treasures. Sir.3:5 He who honors his father will have joy from his children, and on the day his prayer will be heard. Sir.3:6 He who respects his father will live long, and he who obeys the Lord will give rest to his mother. Sir.3:7 He who fears the Lord will honor his father and serve those who begat him as rulers. Sir.3:8 Honor your father and mother in deed and word, so that blessings from them may come to you, Sir.3:9 For the blessing of a father establishes the houses of children, but the oath of a mother destroys them to the ground. Sir.3:10 Do not seek glory in the dishonor of your father, for the dishonor of your father is not glory for you. Sir.3:11 A man's glory comes from the honor of his father, and the shame of his children comes from his mother's disgrace. Sir.3:12 Son! accept your father in his old age and do not grieve him in his life. Sir.3:13 Even if he becomes weak in understanding, have mercy and do not neglect him in the fullness of your strength, Sir.3:14 For mercy towards the father will not be forgotten; despite your sins, your prosperity will increase. Sir.3:15 In the day of your tribulation you will be remembered: like ice from warmth, your sins will be forgiven. Sir.3:16 He who forsakes his father is the same as a blasphemer, and cursed of the Lord is he who provokes his mother. 3–16. He who shows disrespect to his parents is a violator of natural laws and divine commandments, and therefore bears severe punishment. He who honors his parents attracts the mercy and blessing of the Lord. Sir.3:17 My son! Conduct your affairs with meekness, and you will be loved by a godly person. Sir.3:18 As great as you are, humble yourself, and you will find grace from the Lord. Sir.3:19 Many are high and glorious, but secrets are revealed to the humble, 19. True knowledge of God and understanding of His good and perfect will are most accessible to meek and humble people, whose consciousness and feelings are not obscured from God by their pride and self-exaltation (Matthew 5:3, 8). Sir.3:20 For the power of the Lord is great, and He is glorified by the humble. Sir.3:21 Do not seek what is too difficult for you, and do not try what is beyond your strength. Sir.3:22 What is commanded you, meditate on it; for you have no need of what is hidden. Sir.3:23 With your many activities, do not worry about unnecessary things: very much of human knowledge has been revealed to you; Sir.3:24 For many have been led astray by their assumptions, and their evil dreams have shaken their minds. Sir.3:25 He who loves danger will fall into it; Sir.3:26 A stubborn heart will endure evil in the end: Sir.3:27 A stubborn heart will be burdened with sorrows, and the sinner will add sins to sins. Sir.3:28 Trials do not serve as medicine for the proud, because an evil plant has taken root in him. Sir.3:29 The heart of the wise will ponder the parable, and the attentive ear is the desire of the wise. 29. A reasonable person is attentive to useful instructions. Sir.3:30 Water will quench the flame of fire, and alms will cleanse sins. Sir.3:31 He who repays good deeds thinks about the future and will find support during the fall. 30–31. Wed. Comrade 12:8–9; Matt. 5:7.