Ben Sira 3:15-17
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
15 In time of trouble it will be recalled to your advantage,
like warmth upon frost it will melt away your sins.
16 Those who neglect their father are like blasphemers;
those who provoke their mother are accursed by their Creator.(A)
Humility[a]
17 My son, conduct your affairs with humility,
and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts.
Footnotes
- 3:17–24 Humility gives you a true estimate of yourself (vv. 17–20; cf. 10:28), so that you will do what should be done, and avoid what is beyond your understanding and strength (vv. 21–23). Intellectual pride, however, leads you astray (v. 24). Ben Sira is perhaps warning his students against the perils of Greek philosophy.
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