Sirach 32

¹ If they make you master of the feast, do not exalt yourself; be among them as one of them; take good care of them and then be seated;

² when you have fulfilled your duties, take your place, that you may be merry on their account and receive a wreath for your excellent leadership.

³ Speak, you who are older, for it is fitting that you should, but with accurate knowledge, and do not interrupt the music.

⁴ Where there is entertainment, do not pour out talk; do not display your cleverness out of season.

⁵ A ruby seal in a setting of gold is a concert of music at a banquet of wine.

⁶ A seal of emerald in a rich setting of gold is the melody of music with good wine.

⁷ Speak, young man, if there is need of you, but no more than twice, and only if asked.

⁸ Speak concisely, say much in few words; be as one who knows and yet holds his tongue.

⁹ Among the great do not act as their equal; and when another is speaking, do not babble.

¹⁰ Lightning speeds before the thunder, and approval precedes a modest man.

¹¹ Leave in good time and do not be the last; go home quickly and do not linger.

¹² Amuse yourself there, and do what you have in mind, but do not sin through proud speech.

¹³ And for these things bless him who made you and satisfies you with his good gifts.

¹⁴ He who fears the Lord will accept his discipline, and those who rise early to seek him will find favor.

¹⁵ He who seeks the law will be filled with it, but the hypocrite will stumble at it.

¹⁶ Those who fear the Lord will form true judgments, and like a light they will kindle righteous deeds.

¹⁷ A sinful man will shun reproof, and will find a decision according to his liking.

¹⁸ A man of judgment will not overlook an idea, and an insolent and proud man will not cower in fear.

¹⁹ Do nothing without deliberation; and when you have acted, do not regret it.

²⁰ Do not go on a path full of hazards, and do not stumble over stony ground.

²¹ Do not be overconfident on a smooth way,

²² and give good heed to your paths.

²³ Guard yourself in every act, for this is the keeping of the commandments.

²⁴ He who believes the law gives heed to the commandments, and he who trusts the Lord will not suffer loss.