Sirach 32

NEW AMERICAN BIBLE	NEW JERUSALEM
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;	1 Have they made you the presider? Do not let it go to your head, behave like everyone else in the party,see that they are happy and then sit down yourself.
2 when you have fulfilled your duty, then take your place, To share in their joy and win praise for your hospitality.	2 Having discharged your duties, take your place so that your joy may be through theirs, and you mayreceive the crown for your competence.
3 Being older, you may talk; that is only your right, but temper your wisdom, not to disturb the singing.	3 Speak, old man -- it is proper that you should -- but with discretion: do not spoil the music.
4 When wine is present, do not pour out discourse, and flaunt not your wisdom at the wrong time.	4 If someone is singing, do not ramble on and do not play the sage at the wrong moment.
5 Like a seal of carnelian in a setting of gold is a concert when wine is served.	5 An amber seal on a precious stone, such is a concert of music at a wine feast.
6 Like a gold mounting with an emerald seal is string music with delicious wine.	6 An emerald seal in a golden setting, such are strains of music with a vintage wine.
7 Young man, speak only when necessary, when they have asked you more than once;	7 Speak, young man, when you must, but twice at most, and then only if questioned.
8 Be brief, but say much in those few words, be like the wise man, taciturn.	8 Keep to the point, say much in few words; give the impression of knowing but not wanting to speak.
9 When among your elders be not forward, and with officials be not too insistent.	9 Among eminent people do not behave as though you were their equal; do not make frivolous remarkswhen someone else is speaking.
10 Like the lightning that flashes before a storm is the esteem that shines on modesty.	10 Lightning comes before the thunder, favour goes ahead of a modest person.
11 When it is time to leave, tarry not; be off for home! There take your ease,	11 Leave in good time, do not bring up the rear, and hurry home without loitering.
12 And there enjoy doing as you wish, but without sin or words of pride.	12 There amuse yourself, and do what you have a mind to, but do not sin by arrogant talk.
13 Above all, give praise to your Creator, who showers his favors upon you.	13 And for all this bless your Creator, who intoxicates you with his favours.
14 He who would find God must accept discipline; he who seeks him obtains his request.	14 Whoever fears the Lord wil accept his correction; those who look for him wil win his favour.
15 He who studies the law masters it, but the hypocrite finds it a trap.	15 Whoever seeks the Law wil be nourished by it, the hypocrite will find it a stumbling-block.
16 His judgment is sound who fears the LORD; out of obscurity he draws forth a clear plan.	16 Those who fear the Lord win his approval, their good deeds shining like a light.
17 The sinner turns aside reproof and distorts the law to suit his purpose.	17 The sinner waves reproof aside, he finds an excuse for headstrong behaviour.
18 The thoughtful man will not neglect direction; the proud and insolent man is deterred by nothing.	18 A sensible person never scorns a warning; foreigners and the proud do not know about fear.
19 Do nothing without counsel, and then you need have no regrets.	19 Never act without reflection, and you wil not regret your actions.
20 Go not on a way that is set with snares, and let not the same thing trip you twice.	20 Do not venture on a rough road, for fear of stumbling over the stones.
21 Be not too sure even of smooth roads,	21 Do not be over-confident on an even road
22 be careful on all your paths.	22 and beware of your own children.
23 Whatever you do, be on your guard, for in this way you will keep the commandments.	23 Watch yourself in everything you do; this is also the way to keep the commandments.
24 He who keeps the law preserves himself; and he who trusts in the LORD shall not be put to shame.	24 Anyone who trusts in the Law obeys its precepts, no one who has confidence in the Lord wil come toharm.