Ben Sira 30:1-8

1 A father who loves his son will whip him often, so that he can be proud of him later.
2 If a son is disciplined, he will be of some use, and his father can boast of him to his friends.
3 Anyone who gives good guidance to his son cannot only take pride in him among his friends, but he can make his enemies jealous.
4 While the father is alive, the sight of his son makes him happy, and when he dies, he has no regrets. He is not really dead, because his son is like him.
6 He has left someone to take vengeance on his enemies and to return the favors he owes his friends.
7 But anyone who spoils his son will have to bandage his wounds. His heart will stop every time he hears a shout.
8 An untamed horse is going to be stubborn, and an undisciplined son is no different.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. will have . . . wounds; [or] is going to be hurt.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.