Of correction of children. Health is better than wealth. Excessive
grief is hurtful.
30:1. He that loveth his son, frequently chastiseth him, that he may
rejoice in his latter end, and not grope after the doors of his
neighbours.
30:2. He that instructeth his son shall be praised in him, and shall
glory in him in the midst of them of his household.
30:3. He that teacheth his son, maketh his enemy jealous, and in the
midst of his friends he shall glory in him.
30:4. His father is dead, and he is as if he were not dead: for he hath
left one behind him that is like himself.
30:5. While he lived he saw and rejoiced in him: and when he died he
was not sorrowful, neither was he confounded before his enemies.
30:6. For he left behind him a defender of his house against his
enemies, and one that will requite kindness to his friends.
30:7. For the souls of his sons he shall bind up his wounds, and at
every cry his bowels shall be troubled.
30:8. A horse not broken becometh stubborn, and a child left to himself
will become headstrong.
30:9. Give thy son his way, and he shall make thee afraid: play with
him, and he shall make thee sorrowful.
30:10. Laugh not with him, lest thou have sorrow, and at the last thy
teeth be set on edge.
30:11. Give him not liberty in his youth, and wink not at his devices.
30:12. Bow down his neck while he is young, and beat his sides while he
is a child, lest he grow stubborn, and regard thee not, and so be a
sorrow of heart to thee.
30:13. Instruct thy son, and labour about him, lest his lewd behaviour
be an offence to thee.
30:14. Better is a poor man who is sound, and strong of constitution,
than a rich man who is weak and afflicted with evils.
30:15. Health of the soul in holiness of justice, is better than all
gold and silver: and a sound body, than immense revenues.
30:16. There is no riches above the riches of the health of the body:
and there is no pleasure above the joy of the heart.
30:17. Better is death than a bitter life, and everlasting rest, than
continual sickness.
30:18. Good things that are hidden in a mouth that is shut, are as
messes of meat set about a grave.
30:19. What good shall an offering do to an idol? for it can neither
eat, nor smell:
30:20. So is he that is persecuted by the Lord, bearing the reward of
his iniquity:
30:21. He seeth with his eyes, and groaneth, as an eunuch embracing a
virgin, and sighing.
30:22. Give not up thy soul to sadness, and afflict not thyself in thy
own counsel.
30:23. The joyfulness of the heart, is the life of a man, and a never
failing treasure of holiness: and the joy of a man is length of life.
30:24. Have pity on thy own soul, pleasing God, and contain thyself:
gather up thy heart in his holiness: and drive away sadness far from
thee.
30:25. For sadness hath killed many, and there is no profit in it.
30:26. Envy and anger shorten a man's days, and pensiveness will bring
old age before the time.
30:27. A cheerful and good heart is always feasting: for his banquets
are prepared with diligence.