Sirach 32

¹Have they made you ruler of a feast?

Don’t be lifted up.

Be among them as one of them.

Take care of them first, and then sit down.

²And when you have done all your duties, take your place,

that you may be gladdened on their account,

and receive a wreath for your good service.

³Speak, you who are older, for it’s your right, but with sound knowledge;

and don’t interrupt the music.

⁴Don’t pour out talk where there is a performance of music.

Don’t display your wisdom at the wrong time.1

⁵As a ruby signet in a setting of gold,

so is a music concert at a wine banquet.

⁶As an emerald signet in a work of gold,

so is musical melody with pleasant wine.

⁷Speak, young man, if you are obliged to,

but no more than twice, and only if asked.

⁸Sum up your speech, many things in few words.

Be as one who knows and yet holds his tongue.

⁹When among great men, don’t behave as their equal.

When another is speaking, don’t babble.

¹⁰Lightning speeds before thunder.

Approval goes before one who is modest.

¹¹Rise up in good time, and don’t be last.

Go home quickly and don’t loiter

¹²Amuse yourself there and do what is in your heart.

Don’t sin by proud speech.

¹³For these things bless your Maker,

who gives you to drink freely of his good things.

¹⁴He who fears the Lord will receive discipline.

Those who seek him early will find favor.

¹⁵He who seeks the law shall be filled with it,

but the hypocrite will stumble at it.

¹⁶Those who fear the Lord will find true judgment,

and will kindle righteous acts like a light.

¹⁷A sinful man shuns reproof,

and will find a judgment according to his will.

¹⁸A sensible person won’t neglect a thought.

An insolent and proud man won’t crouch in fear,

even after he has done a thing by himself without counsel.

¹⁹Do nothing without counsel,

but when you have acted, don’t regret it.

²⁰Don’t go in a way of conflict.

Don’t stumble in stony places.

²¹Don’t be overconfident on a smooth road.

²²Beware of your own children.

²³In every work guard your own soul,

for this is the keeping of the commandments.

²⁴He who believes the law gives heed to the commandment.

He who trusts in the Lord will suffer no loss.