Respect for Parents

1Students, I have been

like a father to you,

and you will be safe

if you do what I say.

2The Lord has told children

to honor and obey

their parents.

3If you honor your father,

your sins will be forgiven;

4show respect to your mother,

and you will be truly rich.

5Honor your father--

then your own children

will make you happy,

and God will hear them

when they pray.

6If you want to live a long time,

then you must obey the Lord

by respecting your parents;

7serve them as if you

were their slave.

8 If you speak to your father

with respect

and do what he asks,

he will bless you,

9and your own family

will have success.

But if your mother

places a curse on you,

your family will face ruin.

10You cannot get respect

by disgracing your parents.

11What brings honor to them

also brings honor to you.

12Help your father

as he grows old;

try not to upset him.

13And when you are strong,

but his mind is fading,

don't make fun--

instead, be patient.

14God sees your kindness,

and right away,

some of your sins

will be forgiven.

15And if you later have troubles

because of your sins,

they will all melt away

in the warmth of your kindness,

like frost in the sunshine.

16But abandoning your father

or making your mother angry

is as bad as cursing the Lord,

and so he will curse you.

Be Humble

17Students, be humble

in your work,

and you will be loved

by God's people.

18 The more powerful you are,

the more humble you must be

if you want the Lord

to be kind to you.

19Many people are important

and famous,

but God gives his secrets

only to the humble.

20God is extremely powerful,

and he will accept praise only

from those who are not proud.

21Don't try to learn things

you cannot understand.

22 Instead, think about God's Law

and don't worry about secrets

God keeps to himself.

23He has already shown you

matters beyond understanding,

and anything more

is none of your business.

24Proud thoughts have led many

to turn from following God,

and evil ideas have ruined

the way they think.

25Without eyes, you cannot see,

and without gaining knowledge

you can never get wisdom.

26If you are stubborn,

you will end up in trouble,

and if you love danger,

it will kill you someday.

27Those who are stubborn

are burdened with suffering,

and sinners carry

a heavy load of sins.

28Evil has taken root

inside the arrogant,

and so when disaster strikes,

they cannot be rescued.

29The wise always try to listen,

and they will pay attention

to a wise saying.

Give to the Poor

30Money given to the poor

brings forgiveness for sins,

just as water

puts out a fire.

31If you think that in the future

you might ever need help,

then repay other people now

when they do favors for you.