1He who loves his son will be diligent with the rod for him, so that he may rejoice in his future.
2He who disciplines his son will benefit from him, and will boast of him among his acquaintances.
3He who teaches his son will make his enemy jealous, and will rejoice in him before his friends.
4His father dies, and it is as if he has not died, for he has left behind one like himself.
5In his life he saw and rejoiced, and at his death he was not grieved.
6He left behind an avenger against his enemies, and one who repays kindness to his friends.
7He who pampers his son will bind up his wounds, and his heart will be troubled at every cry.
8An untamed horse becomes stubborn, and an unrestrained son becomes reckless.
9Discipline your son lest you be ashamed, and if you laugh with him he will humiliate you.
10Do not laugh with him, lest you suffer pain with him, and in the end you will gnash your teeth.
11Do not give him authority in his youth, and do not overlook his follies.
12Bend his head in his youth, and strike his loins while he is small, lest he become stubborn and rebel against you, and you have heartache from him.
13Discipline your son and make his work heavy, lest in his folly he bring you shame.
14Better a poor man who is healthy in himself, than a rich man afflicted in his flesh.
15A healthy life is more desirable than fine gold, and a good spirit more than pearls.
16There is no wealth above the wealth of a healthy body, and no goodness above the goodness of the heart.
17Better to die than a life of vanity, and eternal rest than constant pain.
18Good things poured out on a closed mouth are like a food offering presented before an idol.
19What good are they to the idols of the nations, which can neither eat nor smell?
20So is one who has wealth but does not enjoy it.
21He sees with his eyes and groans, like a eunuch embracing a girl.
22Like a eunuch who embraces a maiden, so is one who carries out justice by violence; and Yahweh demands an accounting from his hand.
23Do not give your soul to grief, and do not stumble in your anxiety.
24Gladness of heart is the life of a man, and a person’s joy lengthens his days.
25Refresh your soul and gladden your heart, and put vexation far from you.
26For grief has killed many, and there is no profit in vexation.
27Jealousy and grief shorten days, and worry brings old age before its time.
28A good heart enjoys its food, and its meal agrees with it.
29While you are still alive and have breath in you, do not make yourself subservient to anyone.
30For it is better for your children to be in need of you than for you to look to the hands of your sons.
31In all your works be preeminent; do not bring a stain upon your honor.
32On the day you complete the days of your life, and at the time of your death, distribute your inheritance.
33Fodder and a stick and burdens for a donkey; bread and discipline and work for a servant.
34Work your slave, and you will find rest; leave his hands idle, and he will seek freedom.
35A yoke and a strap will bend the neck, and for a wicked servant, tortures and torments.
36Put him to work, so that he is not idle,
37for idleness teaches much evil.
38Set him to work as is fitting for him, and if he does not obey, make his fetters heavy. But do not be excessive toward any person, and do nothing without judgment.
39If you have a servant, let him be as yourself, for you have acquired him with your life’s blood. If you have a servant, treat him as yourself, for you need him as your own soul.
40If you mistreat him and he gets up and runs away, on which road will you look for him?
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