Ben Sira 33:20-30

20 As long as thou livest and hast breath in thee, give not thyself over to any.
21 For better it is that thy children should seek to thee, than that thou shouldest stand to their courtesy.
22 In all thy works keep to thyself the preeminence; leave not a stain in thine honour.
23 At the time when thou shalt end thy days, and finish thy life, distribute thine inheritance.
24 Fodder, a wand, and burdens, are for the ass; and bread, correction, and work, for a servant.
25 If thou set thy servant to labour, thou shalt find rest: but if thou let him go idle, he shall seek liberty.
26 A yoke and a collar do bow the neck: so are tortures and torments for an evil servant.
27 Send him to labour, that he be not idle; for idleness teacheth much evil.
28 Set him to work, as is fit for him: if he be not obedient, put on more heavy fetters.
29 But be not excessive toward any; and without discretion do nothing.
30 If thou have a servant, let him be unto thee as thyself, because thou hast bought him with a price.
The King James Version is in the public domain.