Sirach 41

1 It is a miserable life to go as a guest from house to house: for where a man is a stranger, he shall not deal confidently, nor open his mouth. 2 He shall entertain and feed, and give drink to the unthankful, and moreover he shall hear bitter words. 3 Go, stranger, and furnish the table, and give others to eat what thou hast in thy hand. 4 Give place to the honourable presence of my friends: for I want my house, my brother being to be lodged with me. 5 These things are grievous to a man of understanding: the upbraiding of houseroom, and the reproaching of the lender. 8 He that loveth his son, frequently chastiseth him, that he may rejoice in his latter end, and not grope after the doors of his neighbours. 9 He that instructeth his son shall be praised in him, and shall glory in him in the midst of them of his household. 10 He that teacheth his son, maketh his enemy jealous, and in the midst of his friends he shall glory in him. 11 His father is dead, and he is as if he were not dead: for he hath left one behind him that is like himself. 12 While he lived he saw and rejoiced in him: and when he died he was not sorrowful, neither was he confounded before his enemies. 13 For he left behind him a defender of his house against his enemies, and one that will requite kindness to his friends. 14 For the souls of his sons he shall bind up his wounds, and at every cry his bowels shall be troubled. 15 A horse not broken becometh stubborn, and a child left to himself will become headstrong. 16 Give thy son his way, and he shall make thee afraid: play with him, and he shall make thee sorrowful. 17 Laugh not with him, lest thou have sorrow, and at the last thy teeth be set on edge. 18 Give him not liberty in his youth, and wink not at his devices. 19 Bow 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. 20 Instruct thy son, and labour about him, lest his lewd behaviour be an offence to thee. 21 Better is a poor man who is sound, and strong of constitution, than a rich man who is weak and afflicted with evils. 22 Health of the soul in holiness of justice, is better than all gold and silver: and a sound body, than immense revenues.