Hosting a Banquet
Wisdom of Sirach 32, verse 1. Did they appoint you as leader of the banquet? Do not exalt yourself. Among them be as one of them. Take care of them and only then be seated. Wisdom of Sirach 32, verse 2. Then having fulfilled all your duties, take your place, That you may make merry for their sake, And receive a crown because of your orderly behavior. Wisdom of Sirach 32, verse 3. Speak, O elder, for this is fitting for you to do so with accurate knowledge; But do not interrupt the music. Wisdom of Sirach 32, verse 4. Where there is entertainment, do not pour out talk, And do not display your cleverness at the wrong time. Wisdom of Sirach 32, verse 5. A concert of music at a banquet of wine Is like a seal of ruby in a gold ornament. Wisdom of Sirach 32, verse 6. A seal of emerald in a gold setting Is the melody of music with delicious wine. Wisdom of Sirach 32, verse 7. Speak, young man, if there is need of you, But no more than twice, and only if you are asked repeatedly. Wisdom of Sirach 32, verse 8. Be brief; say much in a few words. Act like a man who knows, yet holds his tongue. Wisdom of Sirach 32, verse 9. Among the great do not act as their equal, And when another is speaking, do little talking. Wisdom of Sirach 32, verse 10. Lightning flashes before thunder, And favor goes before a modest man. Wisdom of Sirach 32, verse 11. Rise to leave in good time, and do not lag behind. Run home and do not be remiss. Wisdom of Sirach 32, verse 12. Amuse yourself there, and do what you intend, But do not sin by speaking arrogantly; Wisdom of Sirach 32, verse 13. And for these things, bless Him who created you And satisfies you with His good things.
Wise and Sinful Men
Wisdom of Sirach 32, verse 14. The man who fears the Lord will receive instruction, And those who rise early will find His approval. Wisdom of Sirach 32, verse 15. He who seeks the Law will be filled with it, But the hypocrite will be made to stumble by it. Wisdom of Sirach 32, verse 16. Those who fear the Lord will discover judgment, And like the light they will kindle righteous deeds. Wisdom of Sirach 32, verse 17. A sinful man will turn aside correction And find a rationalization according to his will. Wisdom of Sirach 32, verse 18. A man of counsel will not neglect thought, But a strange and arrogant man does not tremble in fear. Wisdom of Sirach 32, verse 19. Do nothing without counsel, And when you have acted, do not regret it. Wisdom of Sirach 32, verse 20. Do not walk a path filled with obstacles, And do not trip over stony ground. Wisdom of Sirach 32, verse 21. Do not put your trust in an unexplored way, Wisdom of Sirach 32, verse 22. And keep watch because of your children. Wisdom of Sirach 32, verse 23. In every work entrust your soul to the Lord, For this is the keeping of the commandments. Wisdom of Sirach 32, verse 24. He who believes in the Law heeds the commandments, And he who trusts in the Lord will not suffer loss.