When a son surpasses ten years in age,

Tell him to sit farther from those strange.

Fire should not be set near soft cotton flocks,

Lest in a blink, the whole house be lost.

If you wish your name to be remembered in time,

Teach your son wisdom and reason sublime.

For if he lacks wit and a nature bright,

You’ll die, and none will keep your name in sight.

Many hardships endure across the years,

When fathers raise sons in pampered spheres.

Raise him wise and pious with care,

If you love him, indulge him not unaware.

In his youth, teach and guide with firm hand,

With promises and warnings, help him understand.

Praise and inspire the learner to rise,

Better than scolding or threats in disguise.

Teach the nurtured to earn through labor and skill,

Even if, like Qarun, treasures are your will.

Do not rely on the wealth you possess,

For fortune’s favors may leave you distressed.

Silver and gold may run out someday,

But the craftsman’s purse won’t empty away.

What do you know of fate’s sudden twist?

That may exile him to a foreign midst.

If he masters a craft and can self-sustain,

He’ll seek no favors nor beg in vain.

Do you not know how Saadi achieved his aim?

He wrote not on deserts nor split the seas’ frame.

In youth, he endured elders’ discipline and pain,

And in greatness, God granted him grace to remain.

Whoever obeys and submits with grace,

Will soon find himself in a commanding place.

Any child who ignores the teacher’s strife,

Will suffer the world’s injustices in life.

Treat your son kindly and bring him peace,

So he won’t depend on others to release.

Whoever ignores their child’s plight,

Will find others caring, bringing disgrace to light.

Protect him from bad company’s lure,

Lest they make him wretched and insecure.