30:1
Whoever loves his son will beat him frequently so that in after years the son may be his comfort.
30:2
Whoever is strict with his son will reap the benefit, and be able to boast of him to his acquaintances.
30:3
Whoever educates his son will be the envy of his enemy, and will be proud of him among his friends.
30:4
Even when the father dies, he might well not be dead, since he leaves his likeness behind him.
30:5
In life he has had the joy of his company, dying, he has no anxieties.
30:6
He leaves an avenger against his enemies and a rewarder of favours for his friends.
30:7
Whoever coddles his son will bandage his wounds, his heart will turn over at every cry.
30:8
A badly broken-in horse turns out stubborn, a son left to himself turns out headstrong.
30:9
Pamper your child and he will terrorise you, play along with him and he will bring you sorrow.
30:10
Do not laugh with him, or one day you will weep with him and end up gnashing your teeth.
30:11
While he is young, do not allow him his freedom and do not wink at his mistakes.
30:12
Bend his neck in youth, bruise his ribs while he is a child, or else he will grow stubborn and disobedient, and hurt you very deeply.
30:13
Be strict with your son, and persevere with him, or you will rue his insolence.
30:14
Better be poor if healthy and fit than rich if tormented in body.
30:15
Health and strength are better than any gold, a robust body than untold wealth.
30:16
No riches can outweigh bodily health, no enjoyment surpass a cheerful heart.
30:17
Better death than a wretched life, and everlasting rest than chronic illness.
30:18
Good things lavished on a closed mouth are like food offerings put on a grave.
30:19
What use is an offering to an idol which can neither eat nor smell? How describe someone pursued by the Lord's displeasure?
30:20
He looks and sighs like a eunuch embracing a pretty girl -- how he sighs!
30:21
Do not abandon yourself to sorrow, do not torment yourself with brooding.
30:22
Gladness of heart is life to anyone, joy is what gives length of days.
30:23
Give your cares the slip, console your heart, chase sorrow far away; for sorrow has been the ruin of many, and is no use to anybody.
30:24
Jealousy and anger shorten your days, and worry brings premature old age.
30:25
A genial heart makes a good trencherman, someone who enjoys a good meal.
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