Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 31
31
Right Attitude toward Riches
1Wakefulness over wealth wastes away one's flesh,
and anxiety about it drives away sleep.
2Wakeful anxiety prevents slumber,
and a severe illness carries off sleep.#31.2 Other ancient authorities read sleep carries off a severe illness
3The rich person toils to amass a fortune,
and when he rests he fills himself with his dainties.
4The poor person toils to make a meager living,
and if ever he rests he becomes needy.
5One who loves gold will not be justified;
one who pursues money will be led astray#31.5 Heb Syr: Gk pursues destruction will be filled by it.
6Many have come to ruin because of gold,
and their destruction has met them face to face.
7It is a stumbling block to those who are avid for it,
and every fool will be taken captive by it.
8Blessed is the rich person who is found blameless,
and who does not go after gold.
9Who is he, that we may praise him?
For he has done wonders among his people.
10Who has been tested by it and been found perfect?
Let it be for him a ground for boasting.
Who has had the power to transgress and did not transgress,
and to do evil and did not do it?
11His prosperity will be established,#31.11 Other ancient authorities add because of this
and the assembly will proclaim his acts of charity.
Table Etiquette
12Are you seated at the table of the great?#31.12 Heb Syr: Gk at a great table
Do not be greedy at it,
and do not say, “How much food there is here!”
13Remember that a greedy eye is a bad thing.
What has been created more greedy than the eye?
Therefore it sheds tears for any reason.
14Do not reach out your hand for everything you see,
and do not crowd your neighbor#31.14 Gk him at the dish.
15Judge your neighbor's feelings by your own,
and in every matter be thoughtful.
16Eat what is set before you like a well brought-up person,#31.16 Heb: Gk like a human being
and do not chew greedily, or you will give offense.
17Be the first to stop, as befits good manners,
and do not be insatiable, or you will give offense.
18If you are seated among many persons,
do not help yourself#31.18 Gk reach out your hand before they do.
19How ample a little is for a well-disciplined person!
He does not breathe heavily when in bed.
20Healthy sleep depends on moderate eating;
he rises early, and feels fit.
The distress of sleeplessness and of nausea
and colic are with the glutton.
21If you are overstuffed with food,
get up to vomit, and you will have relief.
22Listen to me, my child, and do not disregard me,
and in the end you will appreciate my words.
In everything you do be moderate,#31.22 Heb Syr: Gk industrious
and no sickness will overtake you.
23People bless the one who is liberal with food,
and their testimony to his generosity is trustworthy.
24The city complains of the one who is stingy with food,
and their testimony to his stinginess is accurate.
Temperance in Drinking Wine
25Do not try to prove your strength by wine-drinking,
for wine has destroyed many.
26As the furnace tests the work of the smith,#31.26 Heb: Gk tests the hardening of steel by dipping
so wine tests hearts when the insolent quarrel.
27Wine is very life to human beings
if taken in moderation.
What is life to one who is without wine?
It has been created to make people happy.
28Wine drunk at the proper time and in moderation
is rejoicing of heart and gladness of soul.
29Wine drunk to excess leads to bitterness of spirit,
to quarrels and stumbling.
30Drunkenness increases the anger of a fool to his own hurt,
reducing his strength and adding wounds.
31Do not reprove your neighbor at a banquet of wine,
and do not despise him in his merrymaking;
speak no word of reproach to him,
and do not distress him by making demands of him.
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Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 31: NRSV-CI
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New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989 Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved.