Sirach 30

1He that loveth his son causeth him oft to feel the rod, that he may have joy of him in the end. 2He that chastiseth his son shall have joy in him, and shall rejoice of him among his acquaintance. 3He that teacheth his son grieveth the enemy: and before his friends he shall rejoice of him. 4Though his father die, yet he is as though he were not dead: for he hath left one behind him that is like himself. 5While he lived, he saw and rejoiced in him: and when he died, he was not sorrowful. 6He left behind him an avenger against his enemies, and one that shall requite kindness to his friends. 7He that maketh too much of his son shall bind up his wounds; and his bowels will be troubled at every cry. 8An horse not broken becometh headstrong: and a child left to himself will be wilful. 9Cocker thy child, and he shall make thee afraid: play with him, and he will bring thee to heaviness. 10Laugh not with him, lest thou have sorrow with him, and lest thou gnash thy teeth in the end. 11Give him not liberty in youth. 12Beat his sides while he is still young, lest becoming stubborn, he disobey thee. 13Train up thy son, and exercise him, so thou shalt not be offended by his disgrace. 14Better is the poor, being sound and strong of constitution, than a rich man stricken in his body. 15Health and a good constitution of the body are above all gold, and a resolute spirit above infinite wealth. 16There is no greater wealth than the health of the body, and no joy above the kindness of the heart. 17Death is better than a bitter life and eternal rest than continual sickness. 18Poured out goods before a closed mouth are like offerings of food laid upon a grave. 19What profit is there in an offering to an idol? For it can neither eat nor smell; so is he that is cast away by the Lord. 20He sees with his eyes and sighs like a eunuch who embraces a virgin and sighs; so is the one who enforces judgment with violence. 21Give not thy soul over to sorrow, and do not afflict thyself with thine own counsel. 22The gladness of the heart is the life of man, and the joy of a man is his multitude of days. 23Divert thyself and comfort thy heart, and remove sorrow far from thee; for sorrow has destroyed many, and there is no profit in it. 24Jealousy and wrath shorten the days, and anxious worry brings old age before its time. 25A magnificent and good heart, focused on (delicious) food, takes care for itself.