| 1 He who loves his son chastises him often, that he may be his joy when he grows up. |
| 2 He who disciplines his son will benefit from him, and boast of him among his intimates. |
| 3 He who educates his son makes his enemy jealous, and shows his delight in him among his friends. |
| 4 At the father's death, he will seem not dead, since he leaves after him one like himself, |
| 5 Whom he looks upon through life with joy, and even in death, without regret: |
| 6 The avenger he leaves against his foes, and the one to repay his friends with kindness. |
| 7 He who spoils his son will have wounds to bandage, and will quake inwardly at every outcry. |
| 8 A colt untamed turns out stubborn; a son left to himself grows up unruly. |
| 9 Pamper your child and he will be a terror for you, indulge him and he will bring you grief. |
| 10 Share not in his frivolity lest you share in his sorrow, when finally your teeth are clenched in remorse. |
| 11 Give him not his own way in his youth, and close not your eyes to his follies. |
| 12 Bend him to the yoke when he is young, thrash his sides while he is still small, Lest he become stubborn, disobey you, and leave you disconsolate. |
| 13 Discipline your son, make heavy his yoke, lest his folly humiliate you. |
| 14 Better a poor man strong and robust, than a rich man with wasted frame. |
| 15 More precious than gold is health and well-being, contentment of spirit than coral. |
| 16 No treasure greater than a healthy body; no happiness, than a joyful heart! |
| 17 Preferable is death to a bitter life, unending sleep to constant illness. |
| 18 Dainties set before one who cannot eat are like the offerings placed before a tomb. |
| 19 What good is an offering to an idol that can neither taste nor smell? |
| 20 So it is with the afflicted man who groans at the good things his eyes behold! |
| 21 Do not give in to sadness, torment not yourself with brooding; |
| 22 Gladness of heart is the very life of man, cheerfulness prolongs his days. |
| 23 Distract yourself, renew your courage, drive resentment far away from you; For worry has brought death to many, nor is there aught to be gained from resentment. |
| 24 Envy and anger shorten one's life, worry brings on premature old age. |
| 25 One who is cheerful and gay while at table benefits from his food. |