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Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 32
Banquets
1 Have they made you president?[*a] 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 Having discharged your duties, take your place and enjoy yourself with the others, and receive the crown for your competence.
3 Speak, old men, it is proper that you should; but know what you are talking about, and do not interrupt the music.
4 If entertainment is provided, do not keep up a running commentary, and do not play the sage at the wrong moment.
5 A carbuncle seal on a precious stone, such is a concert of music at a wine feast.
6 An emerald seal in a golden setting, such are strains of music with a vintage wine.
7 Speak, young men, if you have to; but twice at most, and then only if questioned.
8 Keep to the point, say much in few words; give the impression of knowing but not wanting to speak.
9 Among eminent men do not behave as though you were their equal; do not make frivolous remarks when someone else is speaking.
10 Lightning comes before the thunder, favour goes ahead of a modest man.
11 Rise in good time to take your leave, do not bring up the rear; hurry home without loitering.
12 There amuse yourself, and do what you have a mind to, but do not sin by arrogant talk.
13 And for all this bless him who made you and plies you with his good things.
The fear of God
14 The man who fears the Lord will accept his correction; those who eagerly look for him will win his favour.
15 The man who seeks the Law will be nourished by it, the hypocrite will find it a stumbling-block.
16 Those who fear the Lord will have justice done them, and make their good deeds shine like a light.
17 The sinner waves reproof aside, he finds excuses to do what he wants.
18 A sensible man never scorns a suggestion; a proud and godless man will be immune to fear.
19 Never act without reflection, and you will have nothing to regret when you have done it.
20 Do not venture on a rough road, for fear of stumbling over the stones.
21 Do not be over confident on an even road,
22 and beware of your own children.
23 Watch yourself in everything you do, this is what keeping the commandments means.
24 The man who trusts in the Law pays attention to the commandments, the man who has confidence in the Lord will come to no harm.