30:1 He who loves his son chastises him often, that he may be his joy when he grows up.
30:2 He who disciplines his son will benefit from him, and boast of him among his intimates.
30:3 He who educates his son makes his enemy jealous, and shows his delight in him among his friends.
30:4 At the father’s death, he will seem not dead, since he leaves after him one like himself,
30:5 Whom he looks upon through life with joy, and even in death, without regret:
30:6 The avenger he leaves against his foes, and the one to repay his friends with kindness.
30:7 He who spoils his son will have wounds to bandage, and will quake inwardly at every outcry.
30:8 A colt untamed turns out stubborn; a son left to himself grows up unruly.
30:9 Pamper your child and he will be a terror for you, indulge him and he will bring you grief.
30:10 Share not in his frivolity lest you share in his sorrow, when finally your teeth are clenched in remorse.
30:11 Give him not his own way in his youth, and close not your eyes to his follies.
30:12 Bend him to the yoke when he is young, thrash his sides while he is still small, Lest he become stubborn, disobey you, and leave you disconsolate.
30:13 Discipline your son, make heavy his yoke, lest his folly humiliate you.
30:14 Better a poor man strong and robust, than a rich man with wasted frame.
30:15 More precious than gold is health and well-being, contentment of spirit than coral.
30:16 No treasure greater than a healthy body; no happiness, than a joyful heart!
30:17 Preferable is death to a bitter life, unending sleep to constant illness.
30:18 Dainties set before one who cannot eat are like the offerings placed before a tomb.
30:19 What good is an offering to an idol that can neither taste nor smell?
30:20 So it is with the afflicted man who groans at the good things his eyes behold!
30:21 Do not give in to sadness, torment not yourself with brooding;
30:22 Gladness of heart is the very life of man, cheerfulness prolongs his days.
30:23 Distract yourself, renew your courage, drive resentment far away from you; For worry has brought death to many, nor is there aught to be gained from resentment.
30:24 Envy and anger shorten one’s life, worry brings on premature old age.
30:25 One who is cheerful and gay while at table benefits from his food.