Sirach 30 — BST
30Verse 1He that loveth his son causeth him oft to feel the rod, that he may have joy of him in the end.Verse 2He that chastiseth his son shall have joy in him, and shall rejoice of him among his acquaintance.Verse 3He that teacheth his son grieveth the enemy: and before his friends he shall rejoice of him.Verse 4Though his father die, yet he is as though he were not dead: for he hath left one behind him that is like himself.Verse 5While he lived, he saw and rejoiced in him: and when he died, he was not sorrowful.Verse 6He left behind him an avenger against his enemies, and one that shall requite kindness to his friends.Verse 7He that maketh too much of his son shall bind up his wounds; and his bowels will be troubled at every cry.Verse 8An horse not broken becometh headstrong: and a child left to himself will be wilful.Verse 9Cocker thy child, and he shall make thee afraid: play with him, and he will bring thee to heaviness.Verse 10Laugh not with him, lest thou have sorrow with him, and lest thou gnash thy teeth in the end.Verse 11Give him not liberty in youth.Verse 12Beat his sides while he is still young, lest becoming stubborn, he disobey thee.Verse 13Train up thy son, and exercise him with work, lest by thy looseness thou stumble.Verse 13And overlook not his ignorance.Verse 13Bow down his neck in his youth.Verse 14Better is the poor, being sound and strong of constitution, than a rich man that is afflicted in his body.Verse 15Health and good estate of body are above all gold, and a strong body above infinite wealth.Verse 16There is no riches above a sound body, and no joy above the joy of the heart.Verse 17Death is better than a bitter life or continual sickness.Verse 18Delicacies poured upon a mouth shut up are as messes of meat set upon a grave.Verse 19What good doeth the offering unto an idol? for neither can it eat nor smell: so is he that is persecuted of the Lord.Verse 20He seeth with his eyes and groaneth, as an eunuch that embraceth a virgin and sigheth.Verse 21Give not over thy mind to heaviness, and afflict not thyself in thine own counsel.Verse 22The gladness of the heart is the life of man, and the joyfulness of a man prolongeth his days.Verse 23Love thine own soul, and comfort thy heart, remove sorrow far from thee: for sorrow hath killed many, and there is no profit therein.Verse 24Envy and wrath shorten the life, and carefulness bringeth age before the time.Verse 25I awaked up last of all, as one that gathereth after the grape-gatherers: by the blessing of the Lord I profited,Verse 26and filled my winepress like a gatherer of grapes. Consider that I laboured not for myself only, but for all them that seek learning.Verse 27Hear me, O ye great men of the people, and hearken with your ears, ye rulers of the congregation.Verse 28Give not thy son and wife, thy brother and friend, power over thee while thou livest, and give not thy goods to another, lest it repent thee, and thou intreat for the same again.Verse 29As long as thou livest and hast breath in thee, give not thyself over to any.Verse 30For better it is that thy children should seek to thee, than that thou shouldest stand to their courtesy.Verse 31In all thy works keep to thyself the preeminence; leave not a stain in thine honour.Verse 32At the time when thou shalt end thy days, and finish thy life, distribute thine inheritance.Verse 33Fodder, a stick, and burdens, are for the ass; and bread, correction, and work, for a servant.Verse 34If thou set thy servant to labour, thou shalt find rest: but if thou let him go idle, he will seek liberty.Verse 35A yoke and a collar do bow the neck: so are tortures and torments for an evil servant.Verse 36Send him to labour, that he be not idle; for idleness teacheth much evil.Verse 37Set him to work, as is fit for him: if he be not obedient, put on more heavy fetters.Verse 38But be not excessive toward any; and without discretion do nothing.Verse 39If thou have a servant, let him be unto thee as thyself, because thou hast bought him with a price.Verse 40If thou have a servant, entreat him as a brother: for thou hast need of him, as of thine own soul: if thou entreat him evil, and he run from thee, which way wilt thou go to seek him?