Ben Sira 30:6-16

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.
9 If you pamper your child and play with him, he will be a disappointment and a source of grief.
10 Laugh with him now, and one day you will have to cry over him, grinding your teeth in regret.
11 Don't give him freedom while he is young, and don't overlook what he does wrong.
12 Whip him while he is still a child, and make him respect your authority. If you don't, he will be stubborn and disobedient and cause you nothing but sorrow.
13 So discipline your son and give him work to do, or else he will be an embarrassment to you.
14 It is better to be poor, but strong and healthy, than to be rich, but in poor health.
15 A sound, healthy body and a cheerful attitude are more valuable than gold and jewels.
16 Nothing can make you richer or give you greater happiness than those two things.

Footnotes 2

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