Sirach 31

DOUAI-RHEIMS	NEW AMERICAN BIBLE
1 Watching for riches consumeth the flesh, and the thought thereof driveth away sleep.	1 Keeping watch over riches wastes the flesh, and the care of wealth drives away rest.
2 The thinking beforehand turneth away the understanding, and a grievous sickness maketh the soul sober.	2 Concern for one's livelihood banishes slumber; more than a serious illness it disturbs repose.
3 The rich man hath laboured in gathering riches together, and when he resteth he shall be filled with his goods.	3 The rich man labors to pile up wealth, and his only rest is wanton pleasure;
4 The poor man hath laboured in his low way of life, and in the end he is still poor.	4 The poor man toils for a meager subsistence, and if ever he rests, he finds himself in want.
5 He that loveth gold, shall not be justified: and he that followeth after corruption, shall be filled with it.	5 The lover of gold will not be free from sin, for he who pursues wealth is led astray by it.
6 Many have been brought to fall for gold, and the beauty thereof hath been their ruin.	6 Many have been ensnared by gold, though destruction lay before their eyes;
7 Gold is a stumblingblock to them that sacrifice to it: woe to them that eagerly follow after it, and every fool shall perish by it.	7 It is a stumbling block to those who are avid for it, a snare for every fool.
8 Blessed is the rich man that is found without blemish: and that hath not gone after gold, nor put his trust in money nor in treasures.	8 Happy the rich man found without fault, who turns not aside after gain!
9 Who is he, and we will praise him? for he hath done wonderful things in his life.	9 Who is he, that we may praise him? he, of all his kindred, has done wonders,
10 Who hath been tried thereby, and made perfect, he shall have glory everlasting. He that could have transgressed, and hath not transgressed: and could do evil things, and hath not done them:	10 For he has been tested by gold and come off safe, and this remains his glory; He could have sinned but did not, could have done evil but would not,
11 Therefore are his goods established in the Lord, and all the church of the saints shall declare his alms.	11 So that his possessions are secure, and the assembly recounts his praises.
12 Art thou set at a great table? be not the first to open thy mouth upon it.	12 If you are dining with a great man, bring not a greedy gullet to his table, Nor cry out, "How much food there is here!"
13 Say not: There are many things which are upon it.	13 Remember that gluttony is evil. No creature is greedier than the eye: therefore it weeps for any cause.
14 Remember that a wicked eye is evil.	14 Toward what he eyes, do not put out a hand; nor reach when he does for the same dish.
15 What is created more wicked than an eye? therefore shall it weep over all the face when it shall see.	15 Recognize that your neighbor feels as you do, and keep in mind your own dislikes:
16 Stretch not out thy hand first, lest being disgraced with envy thou be put to confusion.	16 Behave at table like a favored guest, and be not greedy, lest you be despised.
17 Be not hasty in a feast.	17 Be the first to stop, as befits good manners; gorge not yourself, lest you give offense.
18 Judge of the disposition of thy neighbour by thyself.	18 If there are many with you at table, be not the first to reach out your hand.
19 Use as a frugal man the things that are set before thee: lest if thou eatest much, thou be hated.	19 Does not a little suffice for a well-bred man? When he lies down, it is without discomfort.
20 Leave off first, for manners' sake: and exceed not, lest thou offend.	20 Distress and anguish and loss of sleep, and restless tossing for the glutton! Moderate eating ensures sound slumber and a clear mind next day on rising.
21 ,21And if thou sittest among many, reach not thy hand out first of all: and be not the first to ask for drink.	21 If perforce you have eaten too much, once you have emptied your stomach, you will have relief.
22 How sufficient is a little wine for a man well taught, and in sleeping thou shalt not be uneasy with it, and thou shalt feel no pain.	22 Listen to me, my son, and scorn me not; later you will find my advice good. In whatever you do, be moderate, and no sickness will befall you.
23 Watching, and choler, and gripes, are with an intemperate man:	23 On a man generous with food, blessings are invoked, and this testimony to his goodness is lasting;
24 Sound and wholesome sleep with a moderate man: he shall sleep till morning, and his soul shall be delighted with him.	24 He who is miserly with food is denounced in public, and this testimony to his stinginess is lasting.
25 And if thou hast been forced to eat much, arise, go out, and vomit: and it shall refresh thee, and thou shalt not bring sickness upon thy body.	25 Let not wine-drinking be the proof of your strength, for wine has been the ruin of many.
26 Hear me, my son, and despise me not: and in the end thou shalt find my words.	26 As the furnace probes the work of the smith, so does wine the hearts of the insolent.
27 In all thy works be quick, and no infirmity shall come to thee.	27 Wine is very life to man if taken in moderation. Does he really live who lacks the wine which was created for his joy?
28 The lips of many shall bless him that is liberal of his bread, and the testimony of his truth is faithful.	28 Joy of heart, good cheer and merriment are wine drunk freely at the proper time.
29 Against him that is niggardly of his bread, the city will murmur, and the testimony of his niggardliness is true.	29 Headache, bitterness and disgrace is wine drunk amid anger and strife.
30 Challenge not them that love wine: for wine hath destroyed very many.	30 More and more wine is a snare for the fool; it lessens his strength and multiplies his wounds.
31 Fire trieth hard iron: so wine drunk to excess shall rebuke the hearts of the proud.	31 Rebuke not your neighbor when wine is served, nor put him to shame while he is merry; Use no harsh words with him and distress him not in the presence of others.
32 Wine taken with sobriety is equal lire to men: if thou drink it moderately, thou shalt be sober.
33 What is his life, who is diminished with wine?
34 What taketh away life? death.
35 Wine was created from the beginning to make men joyful, and not to make them drunk.
36 Wine drunken with moderation is the joy of the soul and the heart.
37 Sober drinking is health to soul and body.
38 Wine drunken with excess raiseth quarrels; and wrath, and many ruins.
39 Wine drunken with excess is bitterness of the soul.
40 The heat of drunkenness is the stumblingblock of the fool, lessening strength and causing wounds.
41 Rebuke not thy neighbour in a banquet of wine: and despise him not in hip mirth.
42 Speak not to him words of reproach: and press him not in demanding again.