1He who loves his son will whip him often,

in order that he may rejoice at the way he turns out.

2He who disciplines his son will profit by him,

and will boast of him among acquaintances.

3He who teaches his son will make his enemies envious,

and will glory in him in the presence of friends.

4The30.4 Gk His father may die, and yet he is not dead,

for he has left behind him one like himself;

5while alive he saw and rejoiced,

and when he died he was not grieved;

6he has left behind him an avenger against his enemies,

and one to repay the kindness of his friends.

7He who spoils his son will bind up his wounds,

and his feelings will be troubled at every cry.

8A horse that is untamed turns out to be stubborn,

and a son unrestrained turns out to be wilful.

9Pamper a child, and he will frighten you;

play with him, and he will give you grief.

10Do not laugh with him, lest you have sorrow with him,

and in the end you will gnash your teeth.

11Give him no authority in his youth,

and do not ignore his errors.

12Bow down his neck in his youth,30.12 Other authorities omit this line and the preceding line

and beat his sides while he is young,

lest he become stubborn and disobey you,

and you have sorrow of soul from him.30.12 Other authorities omit this line

13Discipline your son and take pains with him,

that you may not be offended by his shamelessness.

14Better off is a poor man who is well and strong in constitution

than a rich man who is severely afflicted in body.

15Health and soundness are better than all gold,

and a robust body than countless riches.

16There is no wealth better than health of body,

and there is no gladness above joy of heart.

17Death is better than a miserable life,

and eternal rest30.17 Some authorities omit eternal rest than chronic sickness.

18Good things poured out upon a mouth that is closed

are like offerings of food placed upon a grave.

19Of what use to an idol is an offering of fruit?

For it can neither eat nor smell.

So is he who is afflicted by the Lord;

20he sees with his eyes and groans,

like a eunuch who embraces a maiden and groans.

21Do not give yourself over to sorrow,

and do not afflict yourself deliberately.

22Gladness of heart is the life of man,

and the rejoicing of a man is length of days.

23Delight your soul and comfort your heart,

and remove sorrow far from you,

for sorrow has destroyed many,

and there is no profit in it.

24Jealousy and anger shorten life,

and anxiety brings on old age too soon.

25A man of cheerful and good heart

will give heed to the food he eats.