Bringing up Children

30 A father who loves his son will whip him often, so that he can be proud of him later. ² If a son is disciplined, he will be of some use, and his father can boast of him to his friends. ³ Anyone who gives good guidance to his son cannot only take pride in him among his friends, but he can make his enemies jealous. ^4-5 While the father is alive, the sight of his son makes him happy, and when he dies, he has no regrets. He is not really dead, because his son is like him. ⁶ He has left someone to take vengeance on his enemies and to return the favors he owes his friends.

⁷ But anyone who spoils his son will have to bandage his wounds.^[a] His heart will stop every time he hears a shout. ⁸ An untamed horse is going to be stubborn, and an undisciplined son is no different. ⁹ If you pamper your child and play with him, he will be a disappointment and a source of grief. ¹⁰ Laugh with him now, and one day you will have to cry over him, grinding your teeth in regret. ¹¹ Don't give him freedom while he is young, and don't overlook what he does wrong. ¹² Whip him while he is still a child, and make him respect your authority. If you don't, he will be stubborn and disobedient and cause you nothing but sorrow. ¹³ So discipline your son and give him work to do, or else he will be an embarrassment to you.