Old Testament

New Testament

Sirach 30:11-25 Common English Bible (CEB)

11. Don’t give them free rein in their youth.

12. Bruise their sideswhile they are still young,or else they will become stubbornand disobey you.

13. Educate your children, and work on them,so that you don’t end up offendedby their shameful behavior.

14. It is better to be poor,but healthy and strong,than a rich personwhose body is afflicted.

15. Being healthy and fitis better than any gold,and a strong spiritis better than untold riches.

16. No wealth is better than a healthy body,and no gladness is better than happiness in one’s heart.

17. Death is better than a bitter life,and eternal rest isbetter than chronic illness.

18. Good things that are poured outon a closed mouthare the same as food offeringsplaced on a grave.

19. Of what use is an offering of fruitto an idol?It can’t eat or smell.The person whom the Lord punishesis like this,

20. looking with the eyes and groaninglike a eunuch who embracesa young woman and groans.

21. Don’t let grief take you over,and don’t distress yourself on purpose.

22. A joyful heart means lifefor a human being,and a person’s rejoicingprovides long life.

23. Distract yourself, cheer yourself up,and keep grief far away from youbecause grief has destroyed many,and there’s no benefit in it.

24. Jealousy and angershorten a person’s life,and anxiety brings old agebefore its time.

25. Those who are cheerfuland contented at mealswill attend well to their food.

Read complete chapter Sirach 30