Ben Sira 22:1-6

1 The idler is like a filthy stone, and every one hisses at his disgrace.

2 The idler is like the filth of dunghills; anyone that picks it up will shake it off his hand.

3 It is a disgrace to be the father of an undisciplined son, and the birth of a daughter is a loss.

4 A sensible daughter obtains a husband of her own, but one who acts shamefully is a grief to her father.

5 An impudent daughter disgraces father and husband, and is despised by both.

6 Like music in time of mourning is ill-timed conversation, but a thrashing and discipline are at all times wisdom.

Footnotes

• [a]. Other ancient authorities add [+V7+WChildren who are brought up in a good life, conceal the lowly birth of their parents. +V8+WChildren who are disdainfully and boorishly haughty stain the nobility of their kindred.]