Anonymous (Septuagint) · a new plain-English translation from the original language
1| On children. He who loves his son will keep the rod busy on him, so that he may rejoice over him in the end.
2| He who disciplines his son will profit by him, and will boast of him among his acquaintances.
3| He who teaches his son will make his enemy jealous, and will exult over him in front of friends.
4| His father has died, and it is as though he had not died, for he has left behind one like himself.
5| In his life he saw him and rejoiced, and at his death he was not grieved;
6| he has left behind an avenger against his enemies, and one to repay kindness to his friends.
7| He who pampers his son will bind up his wounds, and at every cry his innermost being will be shaken.
8| A horse left unbroken turns out stubborn, and a son left unchecked turns out headstrong.
9| Coddle a child and he will startle you; play along with him and he will grieve you.
10| Do not laugh with him, lest you suffer with him, and in the end you grind your teeth.
11| Do not give him authority in his youth.
12| Bruise his ribs while he is a boy, lest he grow stubborn and disobey you.
13| Discipline your son and labor over him, so that he does not stumble and disgrace you.
14| Better a poor man who is healthy and strong in body than a rich man scourged in his flesh.
15| Health and soundness of body are better than any gold, and a robust body than boundless wealth.
16| On food. There is no wealth better than health of body, and no gladness above the joy of the heart.
17| To die is preferable to an existence of bitterness, or to sickness that will not end.
18| Good things poured out on a closed mouth are like offerings of food set beside a tomb.
19| What use is an offering to an idol? For it can neither eat nor smell it; so is he who is pursued by the Lord —
20| he looks with his eyes and groans, like a eunuch embracing a virgin and groaning.
21| Do not hand your soul over to grief, and do not afflict yourself with your own scheming.
22| Gladness of heart is the life of a man, and a man's joy is length of days.
23| Love your own soul and comfort your heart, and put grief far away from you; for grief has killed many people, and there is no profit to be found in it at all.
24| Envy and anger shorten one's days, and anxiety brings on old age before its time. [13] A bright and good heart takes care over its meals.
25| Like a gleaner following behind the grape-gatherers — by the Lord's blessing I arrived early, and filled the winepress like one who treads the grapes.
26| Understand that I did not labor for myself alone, but for all who seek instruction.
27| Hear me, great ones of the people, and you leaders of the assembly, give ear.
28| To son and wife, to brother and friend, do not give power over yourself while you live; and do not hand your wealth over to another, lest you change your mind and have to beg for it back.
29| While you still live and have breath in you, do not exchange yourself for any flesh.
30| For it is better that your children should ask of you than that you should look to the hands of your sons.
31| In all your undertakings keep the upper hand; let no stain come upon your honor.
32| On the day your life's days are completed, and at the time of your death, distribute your inheritance.
33| Fodder and a stick and burdens for a donkey; bread and discipline and work for a servant.
34| Set your servant to work, and you will find rest; leave his hands idle, and he will seek freedom.
35| Yoke and strap will bend the neck, and for a wicked servant there are racks and tortures;
36| put him to work, so that he is not idle,
37| for idleness has taught a great deal of wickedness;
38| assign him to tasks as befits him, and if he does not obey, weigh down his fetters. But do not go to excess with any flesh, and do nothing without judgment.
39| If you have a servant, let him be as yourself, for you acquired him with blood; if you have a servant, treat him as your own soul, for you will need him as your own life;
40| but if you mistreat him and he runs off and flees, on which road will you go looking for him?