Chapter 30

30. He that loves his son causes him oft to feel the rod, that he may have joy of him in the end, for he that chastises his son shall have profit of him, and shall rejoice of him among his acquaintance. He that teaches his son grieves the enemy, and before his friends he shall rejoice of him, for though his father die, yet he is as if he were not dead, for he has left one behind him that is like himself. While he lived, he saw and rejoiced in him, and when he died, he was not sorrowful, for he has left behind him an avenger against his enemies, and one that shall requite kindness to his friends. He that makes too much of his son shall bind up his wounds, and his bowels will be troubled at every cry, and an unbroken horse becomes unmanageable, and a son left to himself becomes headstrong. Cocker thy child, and he shall make thee afraid; play with him, and he will bring thee to heaviness, for laugh not with him, lest thou have sorrow with him, and lest thou gnash thy teeth in the end. Give him no liberty in his youth, and wink not at his follies, for bow down his neck while he is young, and beat him on the sides while he is a child, lest he wax stubborn and be disobedient to thee, and so bring sorrow to thy soul. Chastise thy son, and hold him to labor, lest his lewd behaviour be an offence to thee; better is the life of a poor man that is content, than a rich man that is vexed with sickness. Health and good estate of body are above all gold, and a strong body above infinite wealth, for there is no riches above a sound body, and no joy above the joy of the heart. Death is better than a bitter life, or continual sickness, for delicate meats served to a mouth that cannot eat them are as messes set upon a grave, and what is the good of an offering unto an idol, for neither shall it eat nor smell, so is he that is persecuted of the Lord. He sees with his eyes and groans as an eunuch that embraces a virgin and sighs, for give not over thy mind to heaviness, and afflict not yourself in your own counsel. The joyfulness of the heart is the life of man, and the gladness of a man prolongs his days, and mourn not overmuch for sorrow makes many sick, and sadness consumes the heart. Envy and wrath shorten the life, and carefulness brings age before the time, for a cheerful and good heart will have a care of his meat and take heed of the light.