Bible ~~- Apocrypha ~~- Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) ~~- chapter 30 of 51 (28 verses.)

Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 30Wrench

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How To Raise A Good Child
1 [The father] who loves his son makes him frequently feel the rod [of discipline], so that in the end, the [father] will take joy in his [wise son.]
2 [The father] who chastises his son will [one day] take joy in him. [A disciplining father] will eventually [truthfully] boast to all his friends about his wonderful [son].
3 He who teaches his son grieves the enemy. [A diligent father will one day] sing his son's praises in front of everyone he knows.
4 Even when [the attentive, responsible] father dies, it's like he's still alive, because he leaves behind [a child] who reflects his [virtues.]
5 While [the attentive father] lives, he sees and rejoices in his [son]. He dies feeling [happy to have such a great son.]
6 [The diligent father] leaves behind him [a son to] take vengeance against his enemies, and repay kindness to his friends.
7 [A bad father] puffs up his son's [pride] by painting over the wounds his son causes. [A bad Dad] gushes with heartfelt compassion every time his child whines.
paraphrase: bind up his wounds; and his bowels will be troubled at every cry.
8 An unbroken horse grows stubborn. Similarly, a child left to own [direction] becomes willfully [disobedient].
9 [Coddle] your child, and he'll [eventually] terrify you. Goof [off instead of disciplining] him, and he'll drag you down with a heavy [heart.]
10 Don't joke around with your son's upbringing, or you'll [be filled with] sorrow over him, and gnash your teeth in the end.
11 Restrict [your child's] independence in his youth. Don't wink at his follies.
12 [In kindnesss,] bow [your child's stubborn] neck down while he's young. [Nonviolently] smack him on the [back cheeks] while he's a child, or he'll grow stubborn. [An uncorrected child will] become disobedient to you, and bring sorrow to your heart.
13 Correct your son, and make him work, or his lewd behavior will become an offense to you.
Health Is Worth More Than All The Riches In The World
14 Better is the poor but sane, healthy man, than a rich man [trapped in] a sick body.
15 Health and an able body are worth more to you, 😇, than all gold [in the universe.] A strong body [ranks] above infinite wealth.
16 There are no riches [of] higher [value] than a sound body, and no joy above the joy of the heart.
17 Death is better than a bitter life or continual sickness.
Yet this does not excuse suicide.
18 Delicacies poured into a [disabled] mouth are like platters of food set on a grave.
19 [Giving food to a person] who's being hunted by the Adonai's [angel of death] is like feeding an offering to an idol who can't eat or smell.
20 [The terminally-ill patient] sees with his eyes and groans, like a eunuch who embraces a virgin and sighs [in impotence.]
Don't Worry; Be Happy
21 Don't surrender your mind to sorrow. Don't punish yourself when you talk to yourself.
Paraphrase.
22 Gladness of the heart is the life of man. The joyfulness of a man prolongs his days.
23 Love your own soul, and comfort your heart, cast sorrow far from you, for depression has killed many [people], and it helps no one.
24 Envy and anger shorten [your] life. Worry brings early aging.
25 [If you want a] cheerful and healthy heart, watch your meat-intake. Guard your diet.
paraphrase
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