Ecclesiasticus 30

1He that loveth his son, frequently chastiseth him, that he may rejoice in his latter end, and not grope after the doors of his neighbours.

Qui diligit filium suum assiduat illi flagella, ut lætetur in novissimo suo, et non palpet proximorum ostia.

2He that instructeth his son shall be praised in him, and shall glory in him in the midst of them of his household.

Qui docet filium suum laudabitur in illo, et in medio domesticorum in illo gloriabitur.

3He that teacheth his son, maketh his enemy jealous, and in the midst of his friends he shall glory in him.

Qui docet filium suum in zelum mittit inimicum, et in medio amicorum gloriabitur in illo.

4His father is dead, and he is as if he were not dead: for he hath left one behind him that is like himself.

Mortuus est pater ejus, et quasi non est mortuus: similem enim reliquit sibi post se.

5While he lived he saw and rejoiced in him: and when he died he was not sorrowful, neither was he confounded before his enemies.

In vita sua vidit, et lætatus est in illo: in obitu suo non est contristatus, nec confusus est coram inimicis:

6For he left behind him a defender of his house against his enemies, and one that will requite kindness to his friends.

reliquit enim defensorem domus contra inimicos, et amicis reddentem gratiam.

7For the souls of his sons he shall bind up his wounds, and at every cry his bowels shall be troubled.

Pro animabus filiorum colligabit vulnera sua, et super omnem vocem turbabuntur viscera ejus.

8A horse not broken becometh stubborn, and a child left to himself will become headstrong.

Equus indomitus evadit durus, et filius remissus evadet præceps.

9Give thy son his way, and he shall make thee afraid: play with him, and he shall make thee sorrowful.

Lacta filium, et paventem te faciet: lude cum eo, et contristabit te.

10Laugh not with him, lest thou have sorrow, and at the last thy teeth be set on edge.

Non corrideas illi, ne doleas, et in novissimo obstupescent dentes tui.

11Give him not liberty in his youth, and wink not at his devices.

Non des illi potestatem in juventute, et ne despicias cogitatus illius.

12Bow 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.

Curva cervicem ejus in juventute, et tunde latera ejus dum infans est, ne forte induret, et non credat tibi, et erit tibi dolor animæ.

13Instruct thy son, and labour about him, lest his lewd behaviour be an offence to thee.

Doce filium tuum, et operare in illo, ne in turpitudinem illius offendas.

14Better is a poor man who is sound, and strong of constitution, than a rich man who is weak and afflicted with evils.

Melior est pauper sanus, et fortis viribus, quam dives imbecillis et flagellatus malitia.

15Health of the soul in holiness of justice, is better than all gold and silver: and a sound body, than immense revenues.

Salus animæ in sanctitate justitiæ melior est omni auro et argento: et corpus validum quam census immensus.

16There is no riches above the riches of the health of the body: and there is no pleasure above the joy of the heart.

Non est census super censum salutis corporis, et non est oblectamentum super cordis gaudium.

17Better is death than a bitter life, and everlasting rest, than continual sickness.

Melior est mors quam vita amara, et requies æterna quam languor perseverans.

18Good things that are hidden in a mouth that is shut, are as messes of meat set about a grave.

Bona abscondita in ore clauso, quasi appositiones epularum circumpositæ sepulchro.

19What good shall an offering do to an idol? for it can neither eat, nor smell:

Quid proderit libatio idolo? nec enim manducabit, nec odorabit.

20So is he that is persecuted by the Lord, bearing the reward of his iniquity:

Sic qui effugatur a Domino, portans mercedes iniquitatis:

21He seeth with his eyes, and groaneth, as an eunuch embracing a virgin, and sighing.

videns oculis et ingemiscens, sicut spado complectens virginem, et suspirans.

22Give not up thy soul to sadness, and afflict not thyself in thy own counsel.

Tristitiam non des animæ tuæ, et non affligas temetipsum in consilio tuo.

23The 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.

Jucunditas cordis, hæc est vita hominis, et thesaurus sine defectione sanctitatis: et exsultatio viri est longævitas.

24Have pity on thy own soul, pleasing God, and contain thyself: gather up thy heart in his holiness: and drive away sadness far from thee.

Miserere animæ tuæ placens Deo, et contine: congrega cor tuum in sanctitate ejus, et tristitiam longe repelle a te.

25For sadness hath killed many, and there is no profit in it.

Multos enim occidit tristitia, et non est utilitas in illa.

26Envy and anger shorten a man’s days, and pensiveness will bring old age before the time.

Zelus et iracundia minuunt dies, et ante tempus senectam adducet cogitatus.

27A cheerful and good heart is always feasting: for his banquets are prepared with diligence.

Splendidum cor et bonum in epulis est: epulæ enim illius diligenter fiunt.