Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 32
32
Etiquette at a Banquet
1If they make you master of the feast, do not exalt yourself;
be among them as one of their number.
Take care of them first and then sit down;
2when you have fulfilled all your duties, take your place,
so that you may be merry along with them
and receive a wreath for your excellent leadership.
3Speak, you who are older, for it is your right,
but with accurate knowledge, and do not interrupt the music.
4Where there is entertainment, do not pour out talk;
do not display your cleverness at the wrong time.
5A ruby seal in a setting of gold
is a concert of music at a banquet of wine.
6A seal of emerald in a rich setting of gold
is the melody of music with good wine.
7Speak, you who are young, if you are obliged to,
but no more than twice, and only if asked.
8Be brief; say much in few words;
be as one who knows and can still hold his tongue.
9Among the great do not act as their equal;
and when another is speaking, do not babble.
10Lightning travels ahead of the thunder,
and approval goes before one who is modest.
11Leave in good time and do not be the last;
go home quickly and do not linger.
12Amuse yourself there to your heart's content,
but do not sin through proud speech.
13But above all bless your Maker,
who fills you with his good gifts.
The Providence of God
14The one who seeks God#32.14 Heb: Gk who fears the Lord will accept his discipline,
and those who rise early to seek him#32.14 Other ancient authorities lack to seek him will find favor.
15The one who seeks the law will be filled with it,
but the hypocrite will stumble at it.
16Those who fear the Lord will form true judgments,
and they will kindle righteous deeds like a light.
17The sinner will shun reproof,
and will find a decision according to his liking.
18A sensible person will not overlook a thoughtful suggestion;
an insolent#32.18 Heb: Gk alien and proud person will not be deterred by fear.#32.18 Meaning of Gk uncertain. Other ancient authorities add and after acting, with him, without deliberation
19Do nothing without deliberation,
but when you have acted, do not regret it.
20Do not go on a path full of hazards,
and do not stumble at an obstacle twice.#32.20 Heb: Gk stumble on stony ground
21Do not be overconfident on a smooth#32.21 Or an unexplored road,
22and give good heed to your paths.#32.22 Heb Syr: Gk and beware of your children
23Guard#32.23 Heb Syr: Gk Trust yourself in every act,
for this is the keeping of the commandments.
24The one who keeps the law preserves himself,#32.24 Heb: Gk who believes the law heeds the commandments
and the one who trusts the Lord will not suffer loss.
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Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 32: 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.