Sirach 30
A father who disciplines his son will ultimately bring him happiness and a good reputation. Teaching and instructing one's son will bring praise and glory, and will also provide a sense of security and legacy after the father's death. A child left to himself will become headstrong, so discipline and instruction are necessary from a young age. A healthy body and a joyful heart are the greatest riches, and a life of bitterness is not worth living. One should not give in to sadness or envy, but instead cultivate a cheerful and good heart, which is like a feast and will bring a long and happy life.
He who loves his son will frequently chastise him, so that he may be happy in the very end, and not grope for the doors of his neighborsHe who instructs his son will be praised over him and will glory in him, in the midst of his householdHe who teaches his son will make his enemy jealous, and in the midst of his friends, he will glory in himWhen his father has died, it will be as if he were not dead. For he will have left behind someone who is like himselfIn his life, he saw him and rejoiced in him. And at his passing, he was not sorrowful, nor was he confounded in the sight of his enemiesFor he left behind himself a defender of his house against his enemies, and someone who will repay his friends with kindnessFor the sake of the souls of his sons, he will bind up his wounds, and at every voice, his gut will be stirred upAn untamed horse becomes stubborn, and a child left to himself becomes headstrongCoddle a son, and he will make you afraid. Play with him, and he will make you sorrowfulYou should not laugh with him; otherwise you may have grief, and in the end, your teeth be clenchedYou should not give him power in his youth, but you should not despise his thoughtsBow down his neck in his youth, and slap his sides while he is a child, lest perhaps he may become stubborn, and then he will not trust you, and so he will bring sorrow to your soulInstruct your son, and work with him, lest you give offense by his shameful behaviorBetter is a healthy pauper with a strong constitution, than a wealthy man who is weak and afflicted by maladiesA healthy soul with the sanctity of justice is better than all the gold and silver. And a sound body is better than immense revenuesThere is no revenue above the revenue of a healthy body. And there is no delight above a joyful heartDeath is better than a bitter life. And eternal rest is better than continual sicknessGood things hidden in a closed mouth are like seats at a feast placed around a graveWhat benefit is there in an offering to an idol? For it can neither eat, nor smellSo is he who flees from the Lord, carrying the wages of his iniquityHe sees with his eyes and groans, like a eunuch who embraces a virgin and sighsYou should not give your soul to sadness, and you should not afflict yourself by your own counselThe gladness of the heart is the life of a man, and it is a treasure of sanctity without defect. And the exultation of a man is length of lifeTake pity on your own soul by pleasing God, and show self-restraint. Gather your heart into his sanctity, and drive sadness far away from yourselfFor sadness has killed many, and there is no usefulness in itEnvy and anger will diminish your days, and pensiveness will bring old age before its timeA cheerful and good heart is like a feast. And its feasts are formed by diligence
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