Sir 30
1
He who loves his son causes him oft to feel the rod, that he may have joy of him in
the end.
2
He who chastises his son shall have joy in him, and shall rejoice of him among his
acquaintance.
3
He who teaches his son grieves the enemy: and before his friends he shall rejoice
of him.
4
Though his father die, yet he is as though he were not dead: for he has left one behind
him whom is like himself.
5
While he lived, he saw and rejoiced in him: and when he died, he was not sorrowful.
6
He left behind him an avenger against his enemies, and one that shall requite kindness
to his friends.
7
He who makes too much of his son shall bind up his wounds; and his bowels will be
troubled at every cry.
8
An horse not broken becomes headstrong: and a child left to himself will be wilful.
9
Cocker your child, and he shall make you afraid: play with him, and he will bring
you to heaviness.
10
Laugh not with him, lest you have sorrow with him, and lest you gnash your teeth in
the end.
11
Give him no liberty in his youth, and wink not at his follies.
12
Bow down his neck while he is young, and beat him on the sides while he is a child,
lest he wax stubborn, and be disobedient to you, and so bring sorrow to your heart.
13
Chastise your son, and hold him to labour, lest his lewd behaviour be an offense to
you.
14
Better is the poor, being sound and strong of constitution, than a rich man that is
afflicted in his body.
15
Health and good estate of body are above all gold, and a strong body above infinite
wealth.
16
There is no riches above a sound body, and no joy above the joy of the heart. I awaked
up last of all, as one that gathers after the grapegatherers: by the blessing of the
Lord I profited, and filled my wine press like a gatherer of grapes.
17
Death is better than a bitter life or continual sickness. Consider that I laboured
not for myself only, but for all them that seek learning.
18
Delicates poured upon a mouth shut up are as messes of meat set upon a grave. Hear
me, O you great men of the people, and hearken with your ears, you rulers of the congregation.
19
What good does the offering to an idol? for neither can it eat nor smell: so is he
who is persecuted of the Lord. Give not your son and wife, your brother and friend,
power over you while you live, and give not your goods to another: lest it repent
you, and you intreat for the same again.
20
He sees with his eyes and groans, as an eunuch that embraceth a virgin and sighs.
As long as you live and have breath in you, give not yourself over to any.
21
Give not over your mind to heaviness, and afflict not yourself in your own counsel.
For better it is that your children should seek to you, than that you should stand
to their courtesy.
22
The gladness of the heart is the life of man, and the joyfulness of a man prolongs
his days.
23
Love your own soul, and comfort your heart, remove sorrow far from you: for sorrow
has killed many, and there is no profit therein. In all your works keep to yourself
the preeminence; leave not a stain in your honour.
24
Envy and anger shorten the life, and carefulness brings age before the time. At the
time when you shall end your days, and finish your life, distribute your inheritance.
Fodder, a wand, and burdens, are for the ass; and bread, correction, and work, for
a servant.
25
If you set your servant to labour, you shall find rest: but if you let him go idle,
he shall seek liberty.
26
A yoke and a collar do bow the neck: so are tortures and torments for an evil servant.
27
Send him to labour, that he be not idle; for idleness teaches much evil.
28
Set him to work, as is fit for him: if he be not obedient, put on more heavy fetters.
29
But be not excessive toward any; and without discretion do nothing.
30
If you have a servant, let him be to you as yourself, because you have bought him
with a price.
31
If you have a servant, entreat him as a brother: for you have need of him, as of your
own soul: if you entreat him evil, and he run from you, which way will you go to seek
him?