1 | He that loveth his son, frequently chastiseth him, that he may rejoice in his latter end, and not grope after the doors of his neighbours. |
2 | He that instructeth his son shall be praised in him, and shall glory in him in the midst of them of his household. |
3 | He that teacheth his son, maketh his enemy jealous, and in the midst of his friends he shall glory in him. |
4 | His father is dead, and he is as if he were not dead: for he hath left one behind him that is like himself. |
5 | While he lived he saw and rejoiced in him: and when he died he was not sorrowful, neither was he confounded before his enemies. |
6 | For he left behind him a defender of his house against his enemies, and one that will requite kindness to his friends. |
7 | For the souls of his sons he shall bind up his wounds, and at every cry his bowels shall be troubled. |
8 | A horse not broken becometh stubborn, and a child left to himself will become headstrong. |
9 | Give thy son his way, and he shall make thee afraid: play with him, and he shall make thee sorrowful. |
10 | Laugh not with him, lest thou have sorrow, and at the last thy teeth be set on edge. |
11 | Give him not liberty in his youth, and wink not at his devices. |
12 | Bow down his neck while he is young, and beat his sides while he is a child, lest he grow stubborn, and regard thee not, and so be a sorrow of heart to thee. |
13 | Instruct thy son, and labour about him, lest his lewd behaviour be an offence to thee. |
14 | Better is a poor man who is sound, and strong of constitution, than a rich man who is weak and afflicted with evils. |
15 | Health of the soul in holiness of justice, is better then all gold and silver: and a sound body, than immense revenues. |
16 | There is no riches above the riches of the health of the body: and there is no pleasure above the joy of the heart. |
17 | Better is death than a bitter life: and everlasting rest, than continual sickness. |
18 | Good things that are hidden in a mouth that is shut, are as masses of meat set about a grave. |
19 | What good shall an offering do to an idol? for it can neither eat, nor smell: |
20 | So is he that is persecuted by the Lord, bearing the reward of his iniquity: |
21 | He seeth with his eyes, and groaneth, as an eunuch embracing a virgin, and sighing. |
22 | Give not up thy soul to sadness, and afflict not thyself in thy own counsel. |
23 | The joyfulness of the heart, is the life of a man, and a never failing treasure of holiness: and the joy of a man is length of life. |
24 | Have pity on thy own soul, pleasing God, and contain thyself: gather up thy heart in his holiness: and drive away sadness far from thee. |
25 | For sadness hath killed many, and there is no profit in it. |
26 | Envy and anger shorten a man's days, and pensiveness will bring old age before the time. |
27 | A Cheerful and good heart is always feasting: for his banquets are prepared with diligence. |