The man who loves his son makes use of the rod; later on he will be proud of him. The man who corrects his son will reap the benefit and be proud of him among his acquaintances. 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 has not died, for he leaves behind him another man like himself. In life he had the joy of his company and he is not sorrowful when death comes.

He leaves it to his family to return gifts to his friends.

The man who coddles his son will be constantly bandaging his wounds; at his every cry he will be troubled.

Just as a badly broken-in horse cannot be mounted, so a spoiled son becomes insolent. Pamper your child and later he will terrify you; play with him and he will bring you sorrow.

Do not laugh at him lest you have to suffer the grind of your teeth. Do not let him be independent as a child, but rather bruise his ribs while he is still young, lest he grow stubborn and refuse to obey.

Be strict with your son and persevere in this, so as not to suffer because of his misconduct.