Cain's Question

[JohnMichael]

I am not putting this in General Discussion because I don't feel this topic is of great importance, but it is a question that causes me to ponder.

Gen 4:9  And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?

I will admit that I used this particular answer on my parents once when I was younger to no avail. My brother had broken one of my mom's knick-knacks, and she asked me, "Why weren't you watching him?" I replied, "Am I my brother's keeper?" Needless to say, the rest of the incident did not go in my favor.

I've always viewed this response as Cain "cocking an attitude" with God. However, do the Scriptures answer this question? Are we our brother's keeper?

This is just for fun and intellectual discussion (why I put it in off topic). Feel free to give Scriptures to support your viewpoint.

John