Ben Sira 30:7-17

7 He who spoils his son will bind up his wounds, and his feelings will be troubled at every cry.
8 A horse that is untamed turns out to be stubborn, and a son unrestrained turns out to be wilful.
9 Pamper a child, and he will frighten you; play with him, and he will give you grief.
10 Do not laugh with him, lest you have sorrow with him, and in the end you will gnash your teeth.
11 Give him no authority in his youth, and do not ignore his errors.
12 Bow down his neck in his youth, and beat his sides while he is young, lest he become stubborn and disobey you, and you have sorrow of soul from him.
13 Discipline your son and take pains with him, that you may not be offended by his shamelessness.
14 Better off is a poor man who is well and strong in constitution than a rich man who is severely afflicted in body.
15 Health and soundness are better than all gold, and a robust body than countless riches.
16 There is no wealth better than health of body, and there is no gladness above joy of heart.
17 Death is better than a miserable life, and eternal rest than chronic sickness.
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.