1Listen, children, to the judgment of a father, and act accordingly, so that you may live.
2For Yahweh has honored the father before the sons, and established the judgment of the mother upon her children.
3He who honors a father will have his sin atoned for,
4and he who honors his mother is like one who stores up treasure.
5He who honors his father will rejoice in his own son, and his prayer He will hear and answer.
6He who honors his father will have many days, and a reward from God is upon him who honors his mother.
7And he will serve his parents as his masters.
8My son, in word and in deed honor your father, so that all blessings may overtake you.
9A father’s blessing establishes a root, but a mother’s curse uproots a plant.
10Do not seek honor in your father’s shame, for it is no honor to you.
11A man’s honor is the honor of his father, and he who curses his mother multiplies sin.
12My son, strengthen yourself in honoring your father, and do not forsake him all the days of your life.
13Even if his mind fails, be patient with him, and do not shame him all the days of his life.
14For righteousness toward a father will not be blotted out, and in place of sin it will be planted.
15In the day of trouble it will be remembered for you; like heat on frost, it will blot out your iniquities.
16For he who forsakes his father is a blasphemer, and he who angers his Creator curses his mother.
17My son, in your wealth walk in humility, and you will be loved more than one who gives gifts.
18Humble your soul from all greatness, and before God you will find mercy.
20For the mercies of God are many, and to the humble he reveals his secret.
21Things too wonderful for you, do not seek; and what is hidden from you, do not investigate.
22Reflect on what you have been permitted, and have no business with hidden things.
23Do not contend with what is beyond you, for you have been shown much that is beyond you.
24For the reasonings of the sons of man are many, and evil imaginations lead astray.
25A hard heart will fare badly in the end, and he who loves good things will be led by them.
26A hard heart will have many pains, and a scoffer adds sin upon sin.
27Where there is no pupil, light is lacking; and where there is no knowledge, wisdom is lacking.
28Do not run to heal the wound of a mocker, for it has no cure, for he is planted from an evil plant.
29A wise heart will understand the proverbs of the wise, and a listening ear will rejoice in wisdom.
30Water will extinguish a blazing fire, and righteousness will atone for sin.
31He who does good will be remembered in his ways, and at the time of his stumbling he will find support.
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