Ben Sira 42:1-11

1 Of the following things do not be ashamed, and do not let partiality lead you to sin:
2 of the law of the Most High and his covenant, and of rendering judgment to acquit the ungodly;
3 of keeping accounts with a partner or with traveling companions, and of dividing the inheritance of friends;
4 of accuracy with scales and weights, and of acquiring much or little;
5 of profit from dealing with merchants, and of much discipline of children, and of whipping a wicked servant severely.
6 Where there is an evil wife, a seal is a good thing; and where there are many hands, lock things up.
7 Whatever you deal out, let it be by number and weight, and make a record of all that you give out or take in.
8 Do not be ashamed to instruct the stupid or foolish or the aged man who quarrels with the young. Then you will be truly instructed, and will be approved before all men.
9 A daughter keeps her father secretly wakeful, and worry over her robs him of sleep; when she is young, lest she do not marry, or if married, lest she be hated;
10 while a virgin, lest she be defiled or become pregnant in her father's house; or having a husband, lest she prove unfaithful, or, though married, lest she be barren.
11 Keep strict watch over a headstrong daughter, lest she make you a laughingstock to your enemies, a byword in the city and notorious among the people, and put you to shame before the great multitude.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.