1He that loveth his son causeth him oft to feel the rod, that he may have joy of him in the end.2He that chastiseth his son shall have joy in him, and shall rejoice of him among his acquaintance.3He that teacheth his son grieveth the enemy: and before his friends he shall rejoice of him.4Though his father die, yet he is as though he were not dead: for he hath left one behind him that is like himself.5While he lived, he saw and rejoiced in him: and when he died, he was not sorrowful.6He left behind him an avenger against his enemies, and one that shall requite kindness to his friends.7He that maketh too much of his son shall bind up his wounds; and his bowels will be troubled at every cry.8An horse not broken becometh headstrong: and a child left to himself will be wilful.9Cocker thy child, and he shall make thee afraid: play with him, and he will bring thee to heaviness.10Laugh not with him, lest thou have sorrow with him, and lest thou gnash thy teeth in the end.11Give him not liberty in youth.12Beat his sides while he is still young, lest becoming stubborn, he disobey thee.13Train up thy son, and exercise him with work, lest by thy looseness thou stumble.14And overlook not his ignorance.15Bow down his neck in his youth.16Better is the poor, being sound and strong of constitution, than a rich man that is afflicted in his body.17Health and good estate of body are above all gold, and a strong body above infinite wealth.18There is no riches above a sound body, and no joy above the joy of the heart.19Death is better than a bitter life or continual sickness.20Delicacies poured upon a mouth shut up are as messes of meat set upon a grave.21What good doeth the offering unto an idol? for neither can it eat nor smell: so is he that is persecuted of the Lord.22He seeth with his eyes and groaneth, as an eunuch that embraceth a virgin and sigheth.23Give not over thy mind to heaviness, and afflict not thyself in thine own counsel.24The gladness of the heart is the life of man, and the joyfulness of a man prolongeth his days.25Love thine own soul, and comfort thy heart, remove sorrow far from thee: for sorrow hath killed many, and there is no profit therein.26Envy and wrath shorten the life, and carefulness bringeth age before the time.27I awaked up last of all, as one that gathereth after the grape-gatherers: by the blessing of the Lord I profited,28and filled my winepress like a gatherer of grapes. Consider that I laboured not for myself only, but for all them that seek learning.29Hear me, O ye great men of the people, and hearken with your ears, ye rulers of the congregation.30Give not thy son and wife, thy brother and friend, power over thee while thou livest, and give not thy goods to another, lest it repent thee, and thou intreat for the same again.31As long as thou livest and hast breath in thee, give not thyself over to any.32For better it is that thy children should seek to thee, than that thou shouldest stand to their courtesy.33In all thy works keep to thyself the preeminence; leave not a stain in thine honour.34At the time when thou shalt end thy days, and finish thy life, distribute thine inheritance.35Fodder, a stick, and burdens, are for the ass; and bread, correction, and work, for a servant.36If thou set thy servant to labour, thou shalt find rest: but if thou let him go idle, he will seek liberty.37A yoke and a collar do bow the neck: so are tortures and torments for an evil servant.38Send him to labour, that he be not idle; for idleness teacheth much evil.39Set him to work, as is fit for him: if he be not obedient, put on more heavy fetters.40But be not excessive toward any; and without discretion do nothing.41If thou have a servant, let him be unto thee as thyself, because thou hast bought him with a price.42If thou have a servant, entreat him as a brother: for thou hast need of him, as of thine own soul: if thou entreat him evil, and he run from thee, which way wilt thou go to seek him?
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