Sirach 30

1 Whoever loves his son keeps the whip ready for him so that he may rejoice in him at the end.

2 Whoever disciplines his son will benefit from him and boast about him among acquaintances.

3 Whoever teaches his son makes an enemy jealous and rejoices over him before friends.

4 When his father dies, it is as though he has not died, for he has left behind someone like himself.

5 During his life he saw his son and rejoiced in him, and at his death he was not grieved.

6 He left behind an avenger against enemies and someone who repays his friends’ favor.

7 Whoever overprotects his son will bandage his wounds, and his heart will be troubled at every cry.

8 An unbroken horse becomes stubborn, and a son given free rein becomes unruly.

9 Pamper a child, and he will terrify you; play with him, and he will grieve you.

10 Do not laugh with him, or you may suffer with him and grind your teeth in the end.

11 Give him no freedom in his youth.

12 Strike his sides while he is still a child, or he may become stubborn and disobey you.

13 Discipline your son and put him to work so that you do not stumble because of his shameful conduct.

14 A poor person who is healthy and physically strong is better than a rich person afflicted in body.

15 Health and bodily well-being are better than all gold, and a strong body is better than limitless wealth.

16 No wealth is better than a healthy body, and no delight is greater than gladness of heart.

17 Death is better than a bitter life, and everlasting rest is better than persistent illness.

18 Good food poured before a closed mouth is like food placed beside a grave.

19 What benefit is an altar offering to an idol? It can neither eat nor smell. So it is with someone pursued by the Lord.

20 He sees with his eyes and groans, like a eunuch embracing a virgin and groaning.

21 Do not give your soul over to sorrow or torment yourself with your own counsel.

22 Gladness of heart is a person’s life, and human joy prolongs one’s days.

23 Cheer your soul and comfort your heart. Drive sorrow far away, for sorrow has destroyed many and provides no benefit.

24 Jealousy and anger shorten one’s days, and anxiety brings old age before its time.

25 A bright and good heart takes care over the food it eats.