Catholic Public Domain Version

Sirach 30:3-18 Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV)

3. He who teaches his son will make his enemy jealous, and in the midst of his friends, he will glory in him.

4. When his father has died, it will be as if he were not dead. For he will have left behind someone who is like himself.

5. In 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 enemies.

6. For he left behind himself a defender of his house against his enemies, and someone who will repay his friends with kindness.

7. For the sake of the souls of his sons, he will bind up his wounds, and at every voice, his gut will be stirred up.

8. An untamed horse becomes stubborn, and a child left to himself becomes headstrong.

9. Coddle a son, and he will make you afraid. Play with him, and he will make you sorrowful.

10. You should not laugh with him; otherwise you may have grief, and in the end, your teeth be clenched.

11. You should not give him power in his youth, but you should not despise his thoughts.

12. Bow 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 soul.

13. Instruct your son, and work with him, lest you give offense by his shameful behavior.

14. Better is a healthy pauper with a strong constitution, than a wealthy man who is weak and afflicted by maladies.

15. A healthy soul with the sanctity of justice is better than all the gold and silver. And a sound body is better than immense revenues.

16. There is no revenue above the revenue of a healthy body. And there is no delight above a joyful heart.

17. Death is better than a bitter life. And eternal rest is better than continual sickness.

18. Good things hidden in a closed mouth are like seats at a feast placed around a grave.