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Ecclesiasticus – Sirach Chapter 30

Books of The Bible / Book of Ecclesiasticus – Sirach

1 Whoever loves his son will beat him frequently so that in after years the son may be his comfort.

2 Whoever is strict with his son will reap the benefit, and be able to boast of him to his acquaintances.

3 Whoever educates his son will be the envy of his enemy, and will be proud of him among his friends.

4 Even when the father dies, he might well not be dead, since he leaves his likeness behind him.

5 In life he has had the joy of his company, dying, he has no anxieties.

6 He leaves an avenger against his enemies and a rewarder of favours for his friends.

7 Whoever coddles his son will bandage his wounds, his heart will turn over at every cry.

8 A badly broken-in horse turns out stubborn, a son left to himself turns out headstrong.

9 Pamper your child and he will terrorise you, play along with him and he will bring you sorrow.

10 Do not laugh with him, or one day you will weep with him and end up gnashing your teeth.

11 While he is young, do not allow him his freedom and do not wink at his mistakes.

12 Bend his neck in youth, bruise his ribs while he is a child, or else he will grow stubborn and disobedient, and hurt you very deeply.

13 Be strict with your son, and persevere with him, or you will rue his insolence.

14 Better be poor if healthy and fit than rich if tormented in body.

15 Health and strength are better than any gold, a robust body than untold wealth.

16 No riches can outweigh bodily health, no enjoyment surpass a cheerful heart.

17 Better death than a wretched life, and everlasting rest than chronic illness.

18 Good things lavished on a closed mouth are like food offerings put on a grave.

19 What use is an offering to an idol which can neither eat nor smell? How describe someone pursued by the Lord’s displeasure?

20 He looks and sighs like a eunuch embracing a pretty girl — how he sighs!

21 Do not abandon yourself to sorrow, do not torment yourself with brooding.

22 Gladness of heart is life to anyone, joy is what gives length of days.

23 Give your cares the slip, console your heart, chase sorrow far away; for sorrow has been the ruin of many, and is no use to anybody.

24 Jealousy and anger shorten your days, and worry brings premature old age.

25 A genial heart makes a good trencherman, someone who enjoys a good meal.