Do not slip into the swamp of brooding sadness.
A glad heart is the puse of human life,
and your joy is a gift to everyone – and you.
Surprise yourself to distract you from your cares;
have the courage to send resentment on its way,
for more than a few have worried themselves to death,
and sulkiness hurts no tormentor but yourself.
Jealousy, anger and worry shrivel your days
and lace the finest meal with bitterness,
while a cheerful heart makes mere bread a joy.
From Sirach, translated by G O’Malley