Sirach 31

NEW AMERICAN BIBLE	CATHOLIC PUBLIC DOMAIN
1 Keeping watch over riches wastes the flesh, and the care of wealth drives away rest.	1 Watching for wealth consumes the flesh, and thinking about it takes away sleep.
2 Concern for one's livelihood banishes slumber; more than a serious illness it disturbs repose.	2 Anticipation in thought distracts the mind, and a grievous infirmity makes the soul sober.
3 The rich man labors to pile up wealth, and his only rest is wanton pleasure;	3 The rich man has labored in gathering wealth, and in his rest, he will be filled with his goods.
4 The poor man toils for a meager subsistence, and if ever he rests, he finds himself in want.	4 The poor man has labored in his lowly way, and in the end, he may still be in need.
5 The lover of gold will not be free from sin, for he who pursues wealth is led astray by it.	5 Whoever loves gold will not be justified. And whoever pursues consumption will be consumed by it.
6 Many have been ensnared by gold, though destruction lay before their eyes;	6 Many have been caused to fall because of gold, and it became their ruin by its beauty.
7 It is a stumbling block to those who are avid for it, a snare for every fool.	7 Gold is a stumbling block to those who sacrifice for it. Woe to those who pursue it eagerly, for all the imprudent will perish by it.
8 Happy the rich man found without fault, who turns not aside after gain!	8 Blessed is the rich man who is found to be without blemish. And blessed is he who has not gone after gold, nor placed his hope in money or treasures.
9 Who is he, that we may praise him? he, of all his kindred, has done wonders,	9 Who is he? For we should praise him. For he has done wonderful things in his life.
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,	10 He has been tested by it, and has become perfect; he will have eternal glory. He was able to transgress, but he has not transgressed. He was able to do evil, but he has not done evil.
11 So that his possessions are secure, and the assembly recounts his praises.	11 Therefore, his good things are established in the Lord, and the entire Church of the saints will proclaim his almsgiving.
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!"	12 Are you seated at a great table? You should not open your mouth over it first.
13 Remember that gluttony is evil. No creature is greedier than the eye: therefore it weeps for any cause.	13 You should not speak in this way: “There are many things that are upon it.”
14 Toward what he eyes, do not put out a hand; nor reach when he does for the same dish.	14 Remember that a wicked eye is evil.
15 Recognize that your neighbor feels as you do, and keep in mind your own dislikes:	15 What has been made more wicked than the eye? Therefore, when it sees, it will shed tears over the entire face.
16 Behave at table like a favored guest, and be not greedy, lest you be despised.	16 You should not extend your hand first, for then, having been corrupted by envy, you would be ashamed.
17 Be the first to stop, as befits good manners; gorge not yourself, lest you give offense.	17 You should not press forward at a feast.
18 If there are many with you at table, be not the first to reach out your hand.	18 Understand which things are your neighbor’s and not your own.
19 Does not a little suffice for a well-bred man? When he lies down, it is without discomfort.	19 Make use of the things that are set before you, just as a frugal man would. Otherwise, if you eat much, you will be hated.
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.	20 Cease eating first, for the sake of discipline. And do not eat to excess, lest you offend.
21 If perforce you have eaten too much, once you have emptied your stomach, you will have relief.	21 And if you sit in the midst of many, you should not extend your hand before they do, and you should not be the first to ask for a drink.
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.	22 How sufficient is a little wine for a well-taught man! For in sleep, you will not labor because of it, and you will not feel pain.
23 On a man generous with food, blessings are invoked, and this testimony to his goodness is lasting;	23 Worry, and disease, and torment are with an intemperate man.
24 He who is miserly with food is denounced in public, and this testimony to his stinginess is lasting.	24 A healthy sleep is with a temperate man. He will sleep until morning, and his soul will be delighted with him.
25 Let not wine-drinking be the proof of your strength, for wine has been the ruin of many.	25 And if you have been coaxed into eating too much, rise up, go outside, and vomit. And it will refresh you, and you will not bring sickness upon your body.
26 As the furnace probes the work of the smith, so does wine the hearts of the insolent.	26 Listen to me, son, for you should not spurn me. And in the very end, you will discover my words.
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?	27 In all your works, be prompt, and then no infirmity will befall you.
28 Joy of heart, good cheer and merriment are wine drunk freely at the proper time.	28 The lips of many will bless the splendid in bread. For the testimony of his truthfulness is faithful.
29 Headache, bitterness and disgrace is wine drunk amid anger and strife.	29 The city will murmur against the wicked in bread. For the testimony against his wickedness is true.
30 More and more wine is a snare for the fool; it lessens his strength and multiplies his wounds.	30 Do not choose to provoke those who love wine. For wine has destroyed many.
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.	31 Fire tests the hardness of iron; similarly, drinking wine to inebriation will rebuke the hearts of the arrogant.
	32 Drinking wine in sobriety gives a contented life to men. If you drink it in moderation, you will be sober.
	33 What is life to him who is diminished by wine?
	34 What can cheat him of his life? Death.
	35 From the beginning, wine was created for cheerfulness, but not for inebriation.
	36 Wine taken in moderation lifts up the mind and the heart.
	37 Sober drinking is healthful to mind and body.
	38 Wine taken in excess stirs up conflict and anger, and brings many to ruin.
	39 Wine taken in excess is bitter to the soul.
	40 The effects of inebriation are a stumbling block to the imprudent, diminishing strength and causing wounds.
	41 You should not argue with your neighbor during a banquet of wine. And you should not spurn him in his cheerfulness.
	42 You should not speak words of reproach to him. And you should not press him with repeated requests.