1 The man who loves his son will chastise him often, So he may rejoice in him in his later years.
2 He who disciplines his son will profit by him And boast of him among acquaintances.
3 The man who teaches his son will make his enemy jealous And will rejoice exceedingly over him among friends.
4 When his father dies, it is as though he is not dead, For he left behind one like himself.
5 While he lived, he saw and rejoiced in him, And when he died, he was not grieved.
6 Before his enemies, he left behind an avenger, And to his friends one who repays favors.
7 He who spoils his son will bandage his wounds, And at every cry his heart will ache.
8 A horse not broken turns out to be stubborn, And a son allowed to run wild turns out to be headstrong.
9 Pamper a child, and he will frighten you; Play with him, and he will grieve you.
10 Do not laugh with him, lest you suffer with him And gnash your teeth over him at last.
11 Do not give him authority while he is young.
12 Bruise his ribs when he is young, Lest he become stubborn and disobey you.
13 Discipline your son and work with him, So he will not embarrass you with his behavior.
14 A poor man with good health is better off Than a rich man afflicted in his body.
15 Health and vigor are better than all gold, And a strong body than immense wealth.
16 There are no riches greater than health of body, And there is no gladness above joy of heart.
17 Death is better than a wretched life, And eternal rest is better than chronic sickness.
18 Good things set out before a closed mouth Are like offerings of food put on a grave.
19 What use is an offering of fruit to an idol? For it can neither eat nor smell. So is a man afflicted by the Lord:
20 He sees with his eyes and groans, Like a eunuch embracing a virgin.
21 Do not give yourself over to sorrow, And do not distress yourself deliberately.
22 Gladness of the heart is the life of man, And rejoicing by a man lengthens his life.
23 Love your soul and comfort your heart, And put sorrow far away from you; For sorrow has destroyed many, And there is no profit in it.
24 Envy and anger will shorten your days, And worry will bring premature old age.
25 A man with a good and cheerful heart Will pay attention to the food he eats.