Tobit Gives Instructions to Tobias

1Later that day, I remembered the silver coins I had left with Gabael in the town of Rages in Media. 2I said to myself, "Since I have prayed that I will die soon, I had better call in my son Tobias and explain to him about the silver coins." 3So I called for Tobias and said:

My son, when I die, make sure I have a proper burial. Always respect your mother and do whatever she asks. Don't ever neglect her or cause her any sorrow. 4Remember, she risked her life to give birth to you! And when she dies, bury her next to me.

5Honor the Lord and follow his teachings as long as you live. Always do what is right and refuse to do wrong. 6People who are honest are always successful. And if people do what is right 7 but are poor, give them some money to help them out. And be cheerful when you give, because if you help others with their needs, God will help you with yours. 8If you are rich, give generously to the poor. On the other hand, if you don't have much money, don't be afraid to give them at least a little. 9If you help the poor, then later, when you are in need, others will help you. 10Giving to the poor will keep you from going down into the dark world of the dead. 11Helping the poor is one of the best offerings you can give to God Most High.

12My son, don't sleep with any woman except your wife and don't marry a foreigner. Some of our ancestors were prophets, so keep our family line pure and choose a woman from our own tribe. Remember that our ancestors Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all married their own relatives. God blessed their families with children and gave the land of Israel to their descendants. 13Have love in your heart for the people of your own nation. Don't be proud and think you are too good to marry an Israelite woman. Pride like that will confuse and destroy you, just as laziness will make you poor and starving.

14Don't ever fail to pay your hired workers at the end of the day. Serve God, and you will be rewarded. Have self-control in everything you do. 15 Don't treat others in ways that you would not want to be treated. Don't be a heavy drinker or ever get drunk. 16Provide food and clothes for the poor. Give your extra money to those in need, and do it cheerfully! 17Honor the memory of good people, but not of the wicked. 18Show respect for the wise and never reject good advice. 19Always praise the Lord God and pray for his guidance, so you will be successful in whatever you do. No other nations have understanding, but the Lord can either make them wise or bring them to ruin.

My son, be sure to keep in mind everything I have told you to do.

20Now I need to tell you that I once left 120,000 silver coins for safekeeping with Gabael son of Gabrias, who lives in the town of Rages in Media. 21 We have become poor, but don't be afraid. You will be rich if you show the proper respect for the Lord our God. So obey him and run from sin.