Sirach 32

KING JAMES BIBLE	NEW AMERICAN BIBLE
1 If thou be made the master [of a feast,] lift not thyself up, but be among them as one of the rest; take diligent care for them, and so sit down.	1 If you are chosen to preside at dinner, be not puffed up, but with the guests be as one of themselves; Take care of them first before you sit down;
2 And when thou hast done all thy office, take thy place, that thou mayest be merry with them, and receive a crown for thy well ordering of the feast.	2 when you have fulfilled your duty, then take your place, To share in their joy and win praise for your hospitality.
3 Speak, thou that art the elder, for it becometh thee, but with sound judgment; and hinder not musick.	3 Being older, you may talk; that is only your right, but temper your wisdom, not to disturb the singing.
4 Pour not out words where there is a musician, and shew not forth wisdom out of time.	4 When wine is present, do not pour out discourse, and flaunt not your wisdom at the wrong time.
5 A concert of musick in a banquet of wine is as a signet of carbuncle set in gold.	5 Like a seal of carnelian in a setting of gold is a concert when wine is served.
6 As a signet of an emerald set in a work of gold, so is the melody of musick with pleasant wine.	6 Like a gold mounting with an emerald seal is string music with delicious wine.
7 Speak, young man, if there be need of thee: and yet scarcely when thou art twice asked.	7 Young man, speak only when necessary, when they have asked you more than once;
8 Let thy speech be short, comprehending much in few words; be as one that knoweth and yet holdeth his tongue.	8 Be brief, but say much in those few words, be like the wise man, taciturn.
9 If thou be among great men, make not thyself equal with them; and when ancient men are in place, use not many words.	9 When among your elders be not forward, and with officials be not too insistent.
10 Before the thunder goeth lightning; and before a shamefaced man shall go favour.	10 Like the lightning that flashes before a storm is the esteem that shines on modesty.
11 Rise up betimes, and be not the last; but get thee home without delay.	11 When it is time to leave, tarry not; be off for home! There take your ease,
12 There take thy pastime, and do what thou wilt: but sin not by proud speech.	12 And there enjoy doing as you wish, but without sin or words of pride.
13 And for these things bless him that made thee, and hath replenished thee with his good things.	13 Above all, give praise to your Creator, who showers his favors upon you.
14 Whoso feareth the Lord will receive his discipline; and they that seek him early shall find favour.	14 He who would find God must accept discipline; he who seeks him obtains his request.
15 He that seeketh the law shall be filled therewith: but the hypocrite will be offended thereat.	15 He who studies the law masters it, but the hypocrite finds it a trap.
16 They that fear the Lord shall find judgment, and shall kindle justice as a light.	16 His judgment is sound who fears the LORD; out of obscurity he draws forth a clear plan.
17 A sinful man will not be reproved, but findeth an excuse according to his will.	17 The sinner turns aside reproof and distorts the law to suit his purpose.
18 A man of counsel will be considerate; but a strange and proud man is not daunted with fear, even when of himself he hath done without counsel.	18 The thoughtful man will not neglect direction; the proud and insolent man is deterred by nothing.
19 Do nothing without advice; and when thou hast once done, repent not.	19 Do nothing without counsel, and then you need have no regrets.
20 Go not in a way wherein thou mayest fall, and stumble not among the stones.	20 Go not on a way that is set with snares, and let not the same thing trip you twice.
21 Be not confident in a plain way.	21 Be not too sure even of smooth roads,
22 And beware of thine own children.	22 be careful on all your paths.
23 In every good work trust thy own soul; for this is the keeping of the commandments.	23 Whatever you do, be on your guard, for in this way you will keep the commandments.
24 He that believeth in the Lord taketh heed to the commandment; and he that trusteth in him shall fare never the worse.	24 He who keeps the law preserves himself; and he who trusts in the LORD shall not be put to shame.