Chapters
Ecclesiasticus (51 chapters)
Ecclesiasticus 30
1
He that loveth his son will continue to lay stripes upon him, That he may have joy of him in the end.
2
He that chastiseth his son shall have profit of him, And shall glory of him among his acquaintance.
3
He that teacheth his son shall provoke his enemy to jealousy; And before friends he shall rejoice of him.
4
His father dieth, and is as though he had not died; For he hath left one behind him like himself.
5
In his life, he saw and rejoiced in him; And when he died, he sorrowed not:
6
He left behind him an avenger against his enemies, And one to requite kindness to his friends.
7
He that maketh too much of his son shall bind up his wounds; And his heart will be troubled at every cry.
8
An unbroken horse becometh stubborn; And a son left at large becometh headstrong.
9
Cocker thy child, and he shall make thee afraid: Play with him, and he will grieve thee.
10
Laugh not with him, lest thou have sorrow with him; And thou shalt gnash thy teeth in the end.
11
Give him no liberty in his youth, And wink not at his follies.
1
Notes
+
These three lines are absent from the oldest MSS.
12
Bow down his neck in his youth, And beat him on the sides while he is a child, Lest he wax stubborn, and be disobedient unto thee; And there shall be sorrow to thy soul.
2
Notes
+
These three lines are absent from the oldest MSS.
+
These three lines are absent from the oldest MSS.
13
Chastise thy son, and take pains with him, Lest his shameless behaviour be an offence unto thee.
14
Better is a poor man, being sound and strong of constitution, Than a rich man that is plagued in his body.
15
Health and a good constitution are better than all gold; And a strong body than wealth without measure.
16
There is no riches better than health of body; And there is no gladness above the joy of the heart.
17
Death is better than a bitter life, And eternal rest than a continual sickness.
2
Notes
+
The oldest MSS. omit And eternal rest.
+
Gr. age-long rest.
18
Good things poured out upon a mouth that is closed Are as messes of meat laid upon a grave.
19
What doth an offering profit an idol? For neither shall it eat nor smell: So is he that is afflicted of the Lord,
20
Seeing with his eyes and groaning, As an eunuch embracing a virgin and groaning.
21
Give not over thy soul to sorrow; And afflict not thyself in thine own counsel.
22
Gladness of heart is the life of a man; And the joyfulness of a man is length of days.
23
Love thine own soul, and comfort thy heart: And remove sorrow far from thee; For sorrow hath destroyed many, And there is no profit therein.
24
Envy and wrath shorten a man’s days; And care bringeth old age before the time.
25
A cheerful and good heart Will have a care of his meat and diet.