Sirach 30

Concerning Children#30.1 This heading is included in the Gk text.

1 # Prov 13.24; 29.17; Sir 42.5 He who loves his son will whip him often,

so that he may rejoice at the way he turns out.

2He who disciplines his son will profit by him

and will boast of him among acquaintances.

3 # Deut 4.9; 6.7 He who teaches his son will make his enemies envious

and will glory in him among his friends.

4 # 1 Kings 1.48 When the father dies, he will not seem to be dead,

for he has left behind him one like himself,

5whom in his life he looked upon with joy

and at death, without grief.

6 # 1 Kings 2.5, 7, 8 He has left behind him an avenger against his enemies

and one to repay the kindness of his friends.

7Whoever cherishes his son will bind up his wounds,

and at every cry his heart will be troubled.

8 # Prov 29.15 An unbroken horse turns out stubborn,

and an unchecked son turns out headstrong.

9Pamper a child, and he will terrorize you;

play with him, and he will grieve you.

10Do not laugh with him, or you will have sorrow with him,

and in the end you will gnash your teeth.

11Give him no freedom in his youth;#30.11 Other ancient authorities add and do not ignore his errors. Bow down his neck in his youth,

12 # Prov 17.21; Sir 7.23 beat his sides while he is young,

or else he will become stubborn and disobey you.#30.12 Other ancient authorities add and you will have sorrow of soul from him

13 # Prov 22.6; Eph 6.4 Discipline your son and make his yoke heavy,#30.13 Heb: Gk take pains with him

so that you may not be offended by his shamelessness.

14 # Eccl 5.12 Better off poor, healthy, and fit

than rich and afflicted in body.

15Health and fitness are better than any gold

and a robust body#30.15 Gk: Syr Heb read spirit than countless riches.

16There is no wealth better than health of body

and no gladness above joy of heart.

17 # Sir 41.2 Death is better than a life of misery

and eternal sleep#30.17 Other ancient authorities lack eternal sleep than chronic sickness.

Concerning Foods#30.18 This heading is included in the Gk text; other ancient authorities place the heading before 30.16

18 # Tob 4.17 Good things poured out upon a mouth that is closed

are like offerings of food placed upon a grave.

19 # Ps 115.6; Bel 7 Of what use to an idol is a sacrifice?

For it can neither eat nor smell.

So is the one punished by the Lord;

20 # Sir 20.4 he sees with his eyes and groans

as a eunuch groans when embracing a young woman.#30.20 Other ancient authorities add So is the person who does right under compulsion

21 # Prov 12.25; 15.13; 17.22 Do not give yourself over to sorrow,

and do not distress yourself deliberately.

22 # Prov 17.22 A joyful heart is life itself,

and rejoicing lengthens one’s life span.

23 # Sir 38.18; 2 Cor 7.10 Indulge yourself#30.23 Other ancient authorities read Beguile yourself and take comfort,

and remove sorrow far from you,

for sorrow has destroyed many,

and no advantage ever comes from it.

24 # Prov 14.30 Jealousy and anger shorten life,

and anxiety brings on premature old age.

25 # Eccl 8.15; 9.7 Those who are cheerful and merry at table

will benefit from their food.

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Sirach 30: NRSVUE

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