Sirach 32

NEW AMERICAN BIBLE	CATHOLIC PUBLIC DOMAIN
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 appointed you as a leader? Do not be willing to be extolled. Be among them as one of them.
2 when you have fulfilled your duty, then take your place, To share in their joy and win praise for your hospitality.	2 Have concern for them, and in this way sit down with them, and when you have explained all your concerns, sit back.
3 Being older, you may talk; that is only your right, but temper your wisdom, not to disturb the singing.	3 Then you may rejoice because of them, and you may receive a crown as an adornment of grace, and so obtain the dignity of the assembly.
4 When wine is present, do not pour out discourse, and flaunt not your wisdom at the wrong time.	4 Speak, you who are greater by birth. For it is fitting for you
5 Like a seal of carnelian in a setting of gold is a concert when wine is served.	5 to speak the first word with careful knowledge. But you should not hinder the music.
6 Like a gold mounting with an emerald seal is string music with delicious wine.	6 Where no one is listening, you should not pour out words. And do not choose to be extolled improperly for your wisdom.
7 Young man, speak only when necessary, when they have asked you more than once;	7 A gemstone of garnet is set amid an ornament of gold, and a concert of music is set amid a banquet of wine.
8 Be brief, but say much in those few words, be like the wise man, taciturn.	8 Just as a signet of emerald is set amid a work of gold, so is a melody of music set amid delightful and moderate wine.
9 When among your elders be not forward, and with officials be not too insistent.	9 Listen silently, and for your reverence, good graces will be added to you.
10 Like the lightning that flashes before a storm is the esteem that shines on modesty.	10 Young man, speak in your own case only reluctantly.
11 When it is time to leave, tarry not; be off for home! There take your ease,	11 If you have been asked twice, let your response be concise.
12 And there enjoy doing as you wish, but without sin or words of pride.	12 In many matters, be as if you lack knowledge, and listen silently as well as intently.
13 Above all, give praise to your Creator, who showers his favors upon you.	13 In the midst of great men, you should not be presumptuous. And where the elders are present, you should not speak much.
14 He who would find God must accept discipline; he who seeks him obtains his request.	14 Lightning goes before a hailstorm, and grace goes before modesty. And so, for your reverence, good graces will be added to you.
15 He who studies the law masters it, but the hypocrite finds it a trap.	15 And at the hour for rising, you should not be lax. Later, be the first to run ahead to your house, and there withdraw, and there take your pastime.
16 His judgment is sound who fears the LORD; out of obscurity he draws forth a clear plan.	16 And act according to your intentions, but not in sin and not in arrogant speech.
17 The sinner turns aside reproof and distorts the law to suit his purpose.	17 And for all these things, bless the Lord, who made you, and who fills you to overflowing with all his good things.
18 The thoughtful man will not neglect direction; the proud and insolent man is deterred by nothing.	18 Whoever fears the Lord will accept his doctrine. And whoever watches for him diligently will find a blessing.
19 Do nothing without counsel, and then you need have no regrets.	19 Whoever seeks the law will be filled from the law. But whoever acts with treachery will be scandalized by treachery.
20 Go not on a way that is set with snares, and let not the same thing trip you twice.	20 Those who fear the Lord will find just judgment, and they will kindle justice like a light.
21 Be not too sure even of smooth roads,	21 A sinful man will shun correction, and he will find a rationalization in accord with his own will.
22 be careful on all your paths.	22 A man of counsel will not reject understanding. A strange and arrogant man will not be disturbed by fear.
23 Whatever you do, be on your guard, for in this way you will keep the commandments.	23 Even so, after he has acted out of fear and without counsel, he will be rebuked by his own criticism.
24 He who keeps the law preserves himself; and he who trusts in the LORD shall not be put to shame.	24 Son, you should do nothing without counsel, and then you will not regret what you have done.
	25 You should not go into the way of ruin, and you then will not stumble on stones. You should not commit yourself to a laborious way; otherwise, you may set up a scandal against your own soul.
	26 And be cautious concerning your own sons. And be attentive to those of your own household.
	27 In all of your works, trust your soul to faith. For this is the keeping of the commandments.
	28 Whoever believes God attends to the commandments. And whoever trusts in him will not be diminished.