Ecclesiasticus, 30

1. He that loveth his son causeth him oft to feel the rod, that he may have joy of him in the end.

1. The man who loves his son makes use of the rod; later on he will be proud of him.

2. He that chastiseth his son shall have joy in him, and shall rejoice of him among his acquaintance.

2. The man who corrects his son will reap the benefit and be proud of him among his acquaintances.

3. He that teacheth his son grieveth the enemy: and before his friends he shall rejoice of him.

3. By instructing his son he makes his enemy envious; he will be well pleased with him in the company of his friends.

4. Though his father die, yet he is as though he were not dead: for he hath left one behind him that is like himself.

4. If such a father dies it is as if he had not died, for he leaves behind him another man like himself.

5. While he lived, he saw and rejoiced in him: and when he died, he was not sorrowful.

5. In life he had the joy of his company and he is not sorrowful when death comes.

6. He left behind him an avenger against his enemies, and one that shall requite kindness to his friends.

6. He leaves it to his family to take revenge on his enemies and to return gifts to his friends.

7. He that maketh too much of his son shall bind up his wounds; and his bowels will be troubled at every cry.

7. The man who coddles his son will be constantly bandaging his wounds; at his every cry he will be troubled.

8. An horse not broken becometh headstrong: and a child left to himself will be wilful.

8. Just as a badly broken-in horse cannot be mounted, so a spoiled son becomes insolent.

9. Cocker thy child, and he shall make thee afraid: play with him, and he will bring thee to heaviness.

9. Pamper your child and later he will terrify you; play with him and he will bring you sorrow.

10. Laugh not with him, lest thou have sorrow with him, and lest thou gnash thy teeth in the end.

10. Do not laugh at him lest you have to suffer and grind your teeth.

11. Give him no liberty in his youth, and wink not at his follies.

11. Do not let him be independent as a child,

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 unto thee, and so bring sorrow to thine heart.

12. but rather bruise his ribs while he is still young, lest he grow stubborn and refuse to obey.

13. Chastise thy son, and hold him to labour, lest his lewd behaviour be an offence unto thee.

13. Be strict with your son and persevere in this, so as not to suffer because of his misconduct.

14. Better is the poor, being sound and strong of constitution, than a rich man that is afflicted in his body.

14. Better a poor man healthy and fit, than a rich man tormented in body.

15. Health and good estate of body are above all gold, and a strong body above infinite wealth.

15. Health and vigor are worth more than gold, a robust body, more than great wealth.

16. There is no riches above a sound body, and no joy above the joy of the heart.

16. No riches are preferable to physical well-being, and no joy is greater than a cheerful heart.

17. Death is better than a bitter life or continual sickness.

17. Death is better than a wretched life and eternal rest preferable to lasting sickness.

18. Delicates poured upon a mouth shut up are as messes of meat set upon a grave.

18. Dishes of food placed on an empty tomb are like good things offered to one who cannot eat.

19. What good doeth the offering unto an idol? for neither can it eat nor smell: so is he that is persecuted of the Lord.

19. What good is a sacrifice offered to an idol? It can neither eat nor smell. So is it with the one whom the Lord has stricken;

20. He seeth with his eyes and groaneth, as an eunuch that embraceth a virgin and sigheth.

20. he sees with his eyes and groans, like a eunuch embracing a virgin and sighing.

21. Give not over thy mind to heaviness, and afflict not thyself in thine own counsel.

21. Do not give yourself over to sadness or torment yourself with brooding.

22. The gladness of the heart is the life of man, and the joyfulness of a man prolongeth his days.

22. Joy of heart is life to a man; gladness gives him length of days.

23. Love thine own soul, and comfort thy heart, remove sorrow far from thee: for sorrow hath killed many, and there is no profit therein.

23. Delight your soul and console your heart; chase sorrow far away, for sorrow has destroyed many and never did good to anyone.

24. Envy and wrath shorten the life, and carefulness bringeth age before the time.

24. Jealousy and anger shorten your life; worry makes you old before the time.

25. A cheerful and good heart will have a care of his meat and diet.

25. A cheerful and kindly person will have a good appetite and enjoy his food.