Sirach 32

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 when you have fulfilled your duty, then take your place, To share in their joy and win praise for your hospitality.

³ Being older, you may talk; that is only your right, but temper your wisdom, not to disturb the singing.

⁴ When wine is present, do not pour out discourse, and flaunt not your wisdom at the wrong time.

⁵ Like a seal of carnelian in a setting of gold is a concert when wine is served.

⁶ Like a gold mounting with an emerald seal is string music with delicious wine.

⁷ Young man, speak only when necessary, when they have asked you more than once;

⁸ Be brief, but say much in those few words, be like the wise man, taciturn.

⁹ When among your elders be not forward, and with officials be not too insistent.

¹⁰ Like the lightning that flashes before a storm is the esteem that shines on modesty.

¹¹ When it is time to leave, tarry not; be off for home! There take your ease,

¹² And there enjoy doing as you wish, but without sin or words of pride.

¹³ Above all, give praise to your Creator, who showers his favors upon you.

¹⁴ He who would find God must accept discipline; he who seeks him obtains his request.

¹⁵ He who studies the law masters it, but the hypocrite finds it a trap.

¹⁶ His judgment is sound who fears the LORD; out of obscurity he draws forth a clear plan.

¹⁷ The sinner turns aside reproof and distorts the law to suit his purpose.

¹⁸ The thoughtful man will not neglect direction; the proud and insolent man is deterred by nothing.

¹⁹ Do nothing without counsel, and then you need have no regrets.

²⁰ Go not on a way that is set with snares, and let not the same thing trip you twice.

²¹ Be not too sure even of smooth roads,

²² be careful on all your paths.

²³ Whatever you do, be on your guard, for in this way you will keep the commandments.

²⁴ He who keeps the law preserves himself; and he who trusts in the LORD shall not be put to shame.