Sirach 30

1He who loves his son will continue the lash for him, so that he may rejoice in his final days.

2He who disciplines his son will profit by him, and among his acquaintances he will boast because of him.

3He who instructs his son will provoke the enemy to jealousy, and in the presence of friends he will rejoice over him.

4His father has died, yet it is as though he had not died, for he has left behind one like himself after him.

5In his lifetime he saw and rejoiced, and at his end he was not grieved.

6Before enemies he left behind an avenger, and for friends one who repays kindness.

7He will bind up his wounds over the souls of his sons, and at every cry his inward parts will be troubled.

8An unbroken horse turns out stubborn, and a son left unchecked turns out headstrong.

9Discipline your son, lest you be put to shame; but if you play with him, he will humiliate you.

10Do not laugh with him, lest you share his pain, and in the end you will gnash your teeth.

11Do not give him free rein in his youth, and do not overlook his destructive behavior.

12Bend his neck in his youth, and break his loins while he is still small, lest he become stubborn and bring you bitterness of soul.

13Discipline your son and make his yoke heavy, lest in his foolishness he consume you.

14Better is a poor man who is alive in himself than a rich man stricken in his flesh.

15Life for the poor is better than refined gold, and a good spirit than pearls.

16There is no wealth greater than a sound body, and there is no good greater than a glad heart.

17Death is better than a life of emptiness, and eternal rest than unrelenting pain.

18Delicacies poured out before a shut mouth are like an offering set before an idol.

19What value is there in the idols of the nations, which neither eat nor smell?

20So it is with one who has wealth and does not enjoy it.

21Do not look with your eyes and groan, like a eunuch embracing a young woman.

22Gladness of heart is a man's life, and a man's rejoicing prolongs his days.

23Do not give your soul over to grief, and do not stumble in your iniquity.

24A joyful heart is a man's life, and a person's gladness prolongs his life.

25Give rest to your soul, and gladden your heart; and keep anger far from you.

26For anger has killed many, and there is no benefit in wrath.

27Jealousy and anger shorten days, and anxiety brings old age before its time.

28Years of a glad heart are better than delicacies, and his food will agree with him.

29As long as you still live and breath is in you, do not give yourself over to any flesh.

30For it is better that your children should beg from you than that you look to the hands of your sons.

31In all your works be outstanding; do not give a blemish to your honor.

32On the day your life's days are completed, and at the time of your death, distribute your inheritance.

33Fodder and a rod and burdens are for a donkey; bread and discipline and work are for a servant.

34Put him to work while he is a child, and you will find rest; let his hands go idle, and he will seek freedom.

35A yoke and a strap will bend the neck, and for a wicked servant there are racks and tortures.

36Put him to work, so that he may not be idle,

37For idleness has taught much evil.

38Put him to work as is fitting for him, and if he does not obey, make his fetters heavy. But do not be excessive with any flesh, and do nothing without judgment.

39If you have a servant, let him be like yourself, because you acquired him with blood; if you have a servant, lead him as yourself, because you need him as your own life.

40If you mistreat him and send him away, he will run off; on what road will you look for him?