Sirach
Chapter 30
Education of Children
The man who loves his son uses a rod; eventually, he will be proud of him.
The man who corrects his son will gain the benefit and be proud of him among his friends.
By instructing his son, he makes his enemy envious; he will be well pleased with him in the company of his friends.
If such a father dies, it is as if he never died, because he leaves behind another man like himself.
In life, he enjoyed his company and was not sorrowful when death arrived.
He relies on his family to seek revenge on his enemies and to give gifts to his friends.
The man who spoils his son will constantly be bandaging his wounds; he will be troubled by every cry.
Just as a poorly broken-in horse can’t be mounted, a spoiled son becomes rude.
Spoil your child, and later he will frighten you; play with him, and he will cause you sorrow.
Don’t laugh at him, or you might suffer and grind your teeth.
Do not let him become independent as a child,
but rather hurt his ribs while he is still young, lest he grow stubborn and refuse to obey.
Be firm with your son and stay consistent in this to avoid suffering because of his misconduct.
Health
It’s better to be a poor man who is healthy and fit than a rich man suffering in body.
Health and vitality are more valuable than gold; a strong body is more important than great wealth.
No wealth is better than good health, and no happiness is greater than a joyful heart.
Death is preferable to a miserable life, and eternal rest is better than enduring prolonged sickness.
Dishes of food placed on an empty tomb are like good things offered to someone who cannot eat.
What good is a sacrifice offered to an idol? It cannot eat or smell. So is it with the one whom the Lord has struck;
he sees with his eyes and groans, like a eunuch embracing a virgin and sighing.
Joy
Don’t let sadness take hold of you or torment yourself with constant worry.
The joy in the heart is life for a man; gladness extends his days.
Delight your soul and console your heart; drive sorrow away, for sorrow has ruined many and has never benefited anyone.
Jealousy and anger cut your life short; worry ages you prematurely.
A kind and cheerful person tends to have a good appetite and enjoy their food.
Commentaries
Education of Children.
Although the images Ben Sirach uses to suggest the correction of children may seem exaggerated, clearly responding to a specific model of family relationships, it is a fact that if we dream of a different society, we must start building it with our children from an early age. Today, we have a full range of tools, not so much to “tame” the child, but to support them throughout their growth and development. We cannot expect good citizens from correction alone, especially when combined with violence. Still, through correction based on love and understanding, we can expect men and women to be capable of changing the world.
Health.
Indeed, a healthy body and a good spirit can be signs of happiness and well-being worth pursuing; however, poor health should not be seen as a curse or misfortune. In ancient times, illness was considered God’s punishment for sin, so those who were healthy could boast they were free from fault. Today, we understand that illnesses can have many causes, some predictable and others not. The key is that in both health and sickness, we know how to live with dignity and accept each situation with grace.
Joy.
Just as physical health is essential and must always be maintained, so too must the health of the heart be preserved, and the sign of this health is joy, which should rise above sorrow, sadness, and worry. It’s not about avoiding what makes us sad or worried, but about knowing how to face and overcome it so that joy remains our defining trait.