The Wisdom of Sirach
Chapter 3
¹ Listen to me your father, O children; act accordingly, that you may be kept in safety.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 1)
Oh God my Father, if we listen to You and act according to Your will one, will always feel secure of being on the path of righteousness Amen.
² For the Lord honours a father above his children, and he confirms a mother's right over her children.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 2)
Oh God my beloved Father, would You honour a father such as myself, who in order to safeguard his state of mind body and spirit had to separate from his family? You know oh God the form of life that I was living, it was a living hell dominated by stress that was making me feel totally depressed. I pray that You do not condemn me for what I did Amen.
³ Those who honour their father atone for sins, ⁴ and those who respect their mother are like those who lay up a treasure.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verses 3 to 4)
Oh God, my Father, even though I am lacking in my relationship with my Father, with Your help I am investing in my relationship with my mother, even though at times we do not see eye to eye Amen. I pray that You keep her and protect her Amen.
⁵ Those who honour their father will have joy in their own children, and when they pay they will be heard.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 5)
⁶ Those who respect their father will have long life, and those who honour their mother obey the Lord; ⁷ they will serve their parents as their masters.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verses 6 to 7)
⁸ Honor your father by word and deed, that his blessing may come upon you.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 8)
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 9)
² For the Lord honours a father above his children, and he confirms a mother's right over her children.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 2)
Oh God my beloved Father, would You honour a father such as myself, who in order to safeguard his state of mind body and spirit had to separate from his family? You know oh God the form of life that I was living, it was a living hell dominated by stress that was making me feel totally depressed. I pray that You do not condemn me for what I did Amen.
³ Those who honour their father atone for sins, ⁴ and those who respect their mother are like those who lay up a treasure.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verses 3 to 4)
Oh God, my Father, even though I am lacking in my relationship with my Father, with Your help I am investing in my relationship with my mother, even though at times we do not see eye to eye Amen. I pray that You keep her and protect her Amen.
⁵ Those who honour their father will have joy in their own children, and when they pay they will be heard.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 5)
Oh God my Father, this is one of my weak points that I do not honour my material father for reasons that You are aware of, however, I still thank him in Your name for having taught me how to drive and get my driving license. This was one of his strong areas and of what he had he passed on to me Amen.
⁶ Those who respect their father will have long life, and those who honour their mother obey the Lord; ⁷ they will serve their parents as their masters.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verses 6 to 7)
Oh God my beloved Father, as You know I have only my mother left to whom I can show love obedience and respect in this material world and I really and truly thank You for her Amen.
⁸ Honor your father by word and deed, that his blessing may come upon you.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 8)
Oh God, my heavenly Father blessed and glorified be Your Name. You are my only father for my natural father I have no contact with. I pray that You keep on loving him and take care of him Amen.
⁹ For a father's blessing strengthens the houses of the children, but a mother's curse uproots their foundations.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 9)
Oh God, my beloved Father, I pray all sons and daughters that have been cursed by their parents or in-laws. Those of us who feel unwanted, unaccepted and moreover feel conditioned by a negative action or actions that they do not have control over. I pray that You heal such people from these negative forces and free them from its clutches Amen.
¹⁰ Do not glorify yourself by dishonouring your father; for your father's dishonour is no glory to you.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 10)
Oh God, my blessed Father, You are right in what You say about the honour and dishonour of our fathers. I am not the type who honours my father, and this is not an act of love from my side. On the other hand, when speaking ill of him, I am also reflecting my own infirmities because I am the offspring of that same father. I ask for Your forgiveness for such moments my God and Father Amen.
¹¹ The glory of one's father is one's own glory and it is a disgrace for children not to respect their mother.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 11)
Oh God my Father, Your glory is my glory and in that, I appreciate even though I do not feel such glory at the time, however, in faith I know it is there. I thank You for my mother. She is my only human lifeline left on earth. I pray that You help me to keep on loving and respecting her Amen.
¹²ٰٰ My child, help your father in his old age, and do not grieve him as long as he lives; ¹³ even if his mind fails, be patient with him; because you have all your faculties do not despise him.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verses 12 to 13)
¹⁰ Do not glorify yourself by dishonouring your father; for your father's dishonour is no glory to you.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 10)
Oh God, my blessed Father, You are right in what You say about the honour and dishonour of our fathers. I am not the type who honours my father, and this is not an act of love from my side. On the other hand, when speaking ill of him, I am also reflecting my own infirmities because I am the offspring of that same father. I ask for Your forgiveness for such moments my God and Father Amen.
¹¹ The glory of one's father is one's own glory and it is a disgrace for children not to respect their mother.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 11)
Oh God my Father, Your glory is my glory and in that, I appreciate even though I do not feel such glory at the time, however, in faith I know it is there. I thank You for my mother. She is my only human lifeline left on earth. I pray that You help me to keep on loving and respecting her Amen.
¹²ٰٰ My child, help your father in his old age, and do not grieve him as long as he lives; ¹³ even if his mind fails, be patient with him; because you have all your faculties do not despise him.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verses 12 to 13)
Oh God my beloved Father, many times I have tried to have a relationship with my father however this was always a risky affair because through the relationship I was always risking ending up in some form of trouble. In the end, I gave up on trying. I do not hate him, but for my own good, I prefer to keep my distance from him Amen. Hope You understand me and my situation. However, I still believe that if You would like to change the situation You still can. Jesus, I trust in You on this one, especially in the given circumstances. Amen.
¹⁴ For kindness to a father will not be forgotten, and will be credited to you against your sins; ¹⁵ in the day of your distress it will be remembered in your favour; like frost in fair weather, your sins will melt away.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verses 14 to 15)
Oh God my Father, as You know every time I tried to communicate with my human father I ended up in a lot of stress and discomfort, I cannot yet have a relationship with him, I cannot risk my fragile psychological self, for as You know I do not feel strong enough to face him without breaking down emotionally. Right now I am in a state of "handle with care" so I am keeping a healthy distance away from him. Thanks for understanding Amen.
¹⁶ Whoever forsakes a father is like a blasphemer, and whoever angers a mother is cursed by the Lord.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 16)
Oh God, my Father I totally agree that we are to show love care and respect to our parents, however, in this area I need much support since both are not easy people to communicate with, the more I relate with my mother the more I realize how hurt she is. I pray for healing my God and Father Amen.
¹⁷ My child, perform your tasks with humility; then you will be loved by those whom God accepts.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 17)
Oh God, my Father, the world accuses me of being disobedient, however what I do I do not for myself but for You. I only care about what You think of me. Amen.
¹⁸ The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself; so you will find favour in the sight of the Lord.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 18)
Oh brothers and sisters especially those who are in key position over others, do not think big of yourselves but be humble. Pray for those under your care or responsibility and do not abuse them in any way. Jesus our Father gave us a typical example in humility and obedience and we are to follow Him forever Amen.
²⁰ For great is the might of the Lord; but by the humble he is glorified.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 20)
Oh God, my Father on purpose or by accident verses 19 has been omitted and replaced by verse 20. However, the message is still loud and clear. Great are You oh God my Father. You are worthy to be praised. The proud seek their ways however we seek Your ways which are the only pathways leading to our salvation Amen.
²¹ Neither seek what is too difficult for you, nor investigate what is beyond your power.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 21)
Oh God my Father, many times we tend to try and rebuild what You have created and since we are not God we end up getting lost in our studies and exploration. I pray that before embarking on any research such people are to pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit who is able to give us wisdom beyond all wisdom Amen.
²² Reflect upon what you have been commanded, for what is hidden is not your concern. ²³ Do not meddle in matters that are beyond you, for more than you can understand has been shown you.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verses 22 to 23)
Oh God my Father if we were to pay heed to the teachings of verses 22 to 23, much trouble and issues of conflict could have been avoided. Today we are meddling in issues of creation that are beyond our knowledge and comprehension. All knowledge is in You and flows from You and not from the human intellect which You have given boundaries for our own good Amen.
²⁴ For their conceit has led many astray, and wrong opinion has impaired their judgment.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 24)
Oh God, my Father it is good to be wise and intelligent and to know many things however we need to control our sense of enquiry because it can result in spiritual harm. Many who have invested in philosophy have ended up not believing in God while others have found more reason on which to affirm it with more depth. I am happy with all that You permit me to learn my God and Father Amen.
²⁵ Without eyes there is no light; without knowledge there is no wisdom.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 25)
Oh God my Father many times I have eyes to see and acquire knowledge that leads to psychosocial and spiritual growth, however, I experience blockages and dilemmas such as lack of trust in myself and at times shamefully I say even in You. I pray that You teach me to trust more in You and to learn how to give You all the situations of my life and really let go Amen!
²⁶ A stubborn mind will fare badly at the end, and whoever loves danger will perish in it.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 26)
Oh God, my Father there was a time when I was ignorant and stubborn when I stuck to my own thoughts opinions and ways, however today You are showing me how wrong I was. Thanks, Jesus.
²⁷ A stubborn mind will be burdened by troubles, and the sinner adds sin to sins.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 27)
Oh, brothers and sisters stress is the product of many sins and in turn, sin creates more stress. I pray that we offer both our stress and our sins to You my Father and You will lighten our burdens Amen.
²⁸ When calamity befalls the proud, there is no healing, for an evil plant has taken root in him.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 28)
Oh God, my Father I have been given contravention fines which are unjust, and even though I am not a proud person I felt myself change negatively. I pray for healing and more humility my God and Father Amen.
²⁹ The mind of the intelligent appreciates proverbs, and an attentive ear is the desire of the wise.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 29)
Oh God, I pray for a personal transformation. I pray that I start living according to Your Word and basing my life on it. I am in need of self-control and self-discipline in order to tame and educate my sinful-self Amen.
³⁰ As water extinguishes a blazing fire, so almsgiving atones for sin. ³¹ Those who repay favours give thought to the future; when they fall they will find support.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verses 30 to 31)
Oh God my Father, this is why I love my work, since it is helping others who in no way can ever pay back the good deed done with them Amen.
I would like to end this reflection on the third chapter of the book of Wisdom of Sirach with the following prayer:-
I pray for the gift of humility my God and Father. Undress us from our natural pride, so that we can be more like You Amen.
Thank You, Jesus.
¹⁴ For kindness to a father will not be forgotten, and will be credited to you against your sins; ¹⁵ in the day of your distress it will be remembered in your favour; like frost in fair weather, your sins will melt away.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verses 14 to 15)
Oh God my Father, as You know every time I tried to communicate with my human father I ended up in a lot of stress and discomfort, I cannot yet have a relationship with him, I cannot risk my fragile psychological self, for as You know I do not feel strong enough to face him without breaking down emotionally. Right now I am in a state of "handle with care" so I am keeping a healthy distance away from him. Thanks for understanding Amen.
¹⁶ Whoever forsakes a father is like a blasphemer, and whoever angers a mother is cursed by the Lord.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 16)
Oh God, my Father I totally agree that we are to show love care and respect to our parents, however, in this area I need much support since both are not easy people to communicate with, the more I relate with my mother the more I realize how hurt she is. I pray for healing my God and Father Amen.
¹⁷ My child, perform your tasks with humility; then you will be loved by those whom God accepts.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 17)
Oh God, my Father, the world accuses me of being disobedient, however what I do I do not for myself but for You. I only care about what You think of me. Amen.
¹⁸ The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself; so you will find favour in the sight of the Lord.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 18)
Oh brothers and sisters especially those who are in key position over others, do not think big of yourselves but be humble. Pray for those under your care or responsibility and do not abuse them in any way. Jesus our Father gave us a typical example in humility and obedience and we are to follow Him forever Amen.
²⁰ For great is the might of the Lord; but by the humble he is glorified.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 20)
Oh God, my Father on purpose or by accident verses 19 has been omitted and replaced by verse 20. However, the message is still loud and clear. Great are You oh God my Father. You are worthy to be praised. The proud seek their ways however we seek Your ways which are the only pathways leading to our salvation Amen.
²¹ Neither seek what is too difficult for you, nor investigate what is beyond your power.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 21)
Oh God my Father, many times we tend to try and rebuild what You have created and since we are not God we end up getting lost in our studies and exploration. I pray that before embarking on any research such people are to pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit who is able to give us wisdom beyond all wisdom Amen.
²² Reflect upon what you have been commanded, for what is hidden is not your concern. ²³ Do not meddle in matters that are beyond you, for more than you can understand has been shown you.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verses 22 to 23)
Oh God my Father if we were to pay heed to the teachings of verses 22 to 23, much trouble and issues of conflict could have been avoided. Today we are meddling in issues of creation that are beyond our knowledge and comprehension. All knowledge is in You and flows from You and not from the human intellect which You have given boundaries for our own good Amen.
²⁴ For their conceit has led many astray, and wrong opinion has impaired their judgment.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 24)
Oh God, my Father it is good to be wise and intelligent and to know many things however we need to control our sense of enquiry because it can result in spiritual harm. Many who have invested in philosophy have ended up not believing in God while others have found more reason on which to affirm it with more depth. I am happy with all that You permit me to learn my God and Father Amen.
²⁵ Without eyes there is no light; without knowledge there is no wisdom.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 25)
Oh God my Father many times I have eyes to see and acquire knowledge that leads to psychosocial and spiritual growth, however, I experience blockages and dilemmas such as lack of trust in myself and at times shamefully I say even in You. I pray that You teach me to trust more in You and to learn how to give You all the situations of my life and really let go Amen!
²⁶ A stubborn mind will fare badly at the end, and whoever loves danger will perish in it.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 26)
Oh God, my Father there was a time when I was ignorant and stubborn when I stuck to my own thoughts opinions and ways, however today You are showing me how wrong I was. Thanks, Jesus.
²⁷ A stubborn mind will be burdened by troubles, and the sinner adds sin to sins.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 27)
Oh, brothers and sisters stress is the product of many sins and in turn, sin creates more stress. I pray that we offer both our stress and our sins to You my Father and You will lighten our burdens Amen.
²⁸ When calamity befalls the proud, there is no healing, for an evil plant has taken root in him.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 28)
Oh God, my Father I have been given contravention fines which are unjust, and even though I am not a proud person I felt myself change negatively. I pray for healing and more humility my God and Father Amen.
²⁹ The mind of the intelligent appreciates proverbs, and an attentive ear is the desire of the wise.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verse 29)
Oh God, I pray for a personal transformation. I pray that I start living according to Your Word and basing my life on it. I am in need of self-control and self-discipline in order to tame and educate my sinful-self Amen.
³⁰ As water extinguishes a blazing fire, so almsgiving atones for sin. ³¹ Those who repay favours give thought to the future; when they fall they will find support.
(The Wisdom of Sirach Chapter 3 verses 30 to 31)
Oh God my Father, this is why I love my work, since it is helping others who in no way can ever pay back the good deed done with them Amen.
I would like to end this reflection on the third chapter of the book of Wisdom of Sirach with the following prayer:-
I pray for the gift of humility my God and Father. Undress us from our natural pride, so that we can be more like You Amen.
Thank You, Jesus.
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