Raising Children
Wisdom of Sirach 30, verse 1. The man who loves his son will chastise him often, So he may rejoice in him in his later years. Wisdom of Sirach 30, verse 2. He who disciplines his son will profit by him And boast of him among acquaintances. Wisdom of Sirach 30, verse 3. The man who teaches his son will make his enemy jealous And will rejoice exceedingly over him among friends. Wisdom of Sirach 30, verse 4. When his father dies, it is as though he is not dead, For he left behind one like himself. Wisdom of Sirach 30, verse 5. While he lived, he saw and rejoiced in him, And when he died, he was not grieved. Wisdom of Sirach 30, verse 6. Before his enemies, he left behind an avenger, And to his friends one who repays favors. Wisdom of Sirach 30, verse 7. He who spoils his son will bandage his wounds, And at every cry his heart will ache. Wisdom of Sirach 30, verse 8. A horse not broken turns out to be stubborn, And a son allowed to run wild turns out to be headstrong. Wisdom of Sirach 30, verse 9. Pamper a child, and he will frighten you; Play with him, and he will grieve you. Wisdom of Sirach 30, verse 10. Do not laugh with him, lest you suffer with him And gnash your teeth over him at last. Wisdom of Sirach 30, verse 11. Do not give him authority while he is young. Wisdom of Sirach 30, verse 12. Bruise his ribs when he is young, Lest he become stubborn and disobey you. Wisdom of Sirach 30, verse 13. Discipline your son and work with him, So he will not embarrass you with his behavior.
Good Health
Wisdom of Sirach 30, verse 14. A poor man with good health is better off Than a rich man afflicted in his body. Wisdom of Sirach 30, verse 15. Health and vigor are better than all gold, And a strong body than immense wealth. Wisdom of Sirach 30, verse 16. There are no riches greater than health of body, And there is no gladness above joy of heart. Wisdom of Sirach 30, verse 17. Death is better than a wretched life, And eternal rest is better than chronic sickness. Wisdom of Sirach 30, verse 18. Good things set out before a closed mouth Are like offerings of food put on a grave. Wisdom of Sirach 30, verse 19. What use is an offering of fruit to an idol? For it can neither eat nor smell. So is a man afflicted by the Lord: Wisdom of Sirach 30, verse 20. He sees with his eyes and groans, Like a eunuch embracing a virgin.
Gladness of Heart
Wisdom of Sirach 30, verse 21. Do not give yourself over to sorrow, And do not distress yourself deliberately. Wisdom of Sirach 30, verse 22. Gladness of the heart is the life of man, And rejoicing by a man lengthens his life. Wisdom of Sirach 30, verse 23. Love your soul and comfort your heart, And put sorrow far away from you; For sorrow has destroyed many, And there is no profit in it. Wisdom of Sirach 30, verse 24. Envy and anger will shorten your days, And worry will bring premature old age. Wisdom of Sirach 30, verse 25. A man with a good and cheerful heart Will pay attention to the food he eats.