। ॥ ३९ ॥
In plain words
Even if the son lives, what will he grow into? A fool, a wise man, a man of good character? Or an adulterer, a thief, a slanderer, a fallen man, a lover of dice, a cruel one?
Close to the Sanskrit
Even if he lives, will he become foolish, wise, or possessed of good character — or an adulterer, a thief, a slanderer, a fallen man, a lover of gambling, a cruel one?