Concerning children
1 The person who loves his sons will discipline them often so that he may be glad about how they turn out.
2
Whoever instructs his sons will benefit from them, and he will boast about them among his acquaintances.
3
The person who teaches his sons will make his enemy jealous, but among his friends he will rejoice over them.
4
When their father passes away, it is as if he hadn't died, because he left behind sons who are like him.
5
When he was alive, he saw them and was glad, and at his end, he wasn't grieved.
6
He was survived by those who would avenge him against his enemies and who would repay kindness to his friends.
7
A parent who spoils children now will end up tending to their wounds, and will experience heartache at every outcry.
8
A horse that is unbroken turns out stubborn, and a child, when given free rein, turns out reckless.
9
Indulge children, and they will terrorize you; play with them, and they will grieve you.
10
Don't laugh together with them, so that you don't suffer together and in the end grind your teeth in regret.
11
Don't give them free rein in their youth.
12
Bruise their sides while they are still young, or else they will become stubborn and disobey you.
13
Educate your children, and work on them, so that you don't end up offended by their shameful behavior.
Food and health
14 It is better to be poor, but healthy and strong, than a rich person whose body is afflicted.
15
Being healthy and fit is better than any gold, and a strong spirit is better than untold riches.
16
No wealth is better than a healthy body, and no gladness is better than happiness in one's heart.
17
Death is better than a bitter life, and eternal rest is better than chronic illness.
Concerning foods.
18 Good things that are poured out on a closed mouth are the same as food offerings placed on a grave.
19
Of what use is an offering of fruit to an idol? It can't eat or smell. The person whom the Lord punishes is like this,
20
looking with the eyes and groaning like a eunuch who embraces a young woman and groans.
21
Don't let grief take you over, and don't distress yourself on purpose.
22
A joyful heart means life for a human being, and a person's rejoicing provides long life.
23
Distract yourself, cheer yourself up, and keep grief far away from you because grief has destroyed many, and there's no benefit in it.
24
Jealousy and anger shorten a person's life, and anxiety brings old age before its time.
25
Those who are cheerful and contented at meals will attend well to their food.