Sirach 32
32
* 1If you are placed in charge
of a dinner party,
don't try to act important.
Just make sure all the guests
have what they need
2before you are seated.
Then enjoy the dinner
with everyone else,
and they will honor you
for a job well done.
3If you are an older guest,
it is right for you to talk.
But be sure what you say is true,
and don't talk during the music
4or other entertainment.
That is not the right time
for clever remarks.
* 5Good wine and good music
at a banquet
6are like rubies and emeralds
in settings of gold.
7If you are a younger guest,
don't talk unless someone
asks you a question.
Don't speak more than twice,
8and say as much as you can
in as few words as possible.
This will show your knowledge
and also your self-control.
9Treat important people
with proper respect,
and don't chatter on and on
if someone older is talking.
10Lightning goes ahead of thunder,
and if you are humble,
you will be liked and accepted
before you even arrive.
11Then later, at the proper time,
just say goodbye and go home.
Don't wait around
to be the last to leave.
12At home, you can have fun
doing whatever you want—
but be careful not to sin
by speaking with arrogance.
13And give thanks to your Creator,
who lets you enjoy
all the good things he made.
Obey the Lord
14If you obey the Lord,
expect him to correct you,
but do your best,
and you will be accepted.
15Sincerely studying God's Law
will bring contentment,
but if you are not sincere
that Law will condemn you.
16If you obey the Lord,
you will be well known
for justice and fairness.
17But sinners refuse
to be corrected,
and they twist the Law
so they can do
whatever they please.
18A wise person can take a hint,
but even fear of great danger
won't stop an arrogant fool.#32.18 But even … arrogant fool: One possible meaning for the difficult Greek text.
19Give plenty of thought
to what you will do,
and afterwards, don't worry
about how well you did.
20Don't look for trouble,
but learn from your mistakes.#32.20 but learn from your mistakes: Hebrew; Greek “and don't choose a path full of rocks.”
21It's easy to be careless
on a smooth road,
22so always pay attention
to the path ahead.#32.22 so always pay attention to the path ahead: Hebrew; Greek “and don't trust your children.”
23Think your actions through,#32.23 Think your actions through: Hebrew; Greek “Trust yourself.”
and you will be able
to obey the Lord's commands.
24If you believe in God's Law,
then do what it says.
Trust the Lord,
and you will have success.
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Sirach 32: CEVDCI
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Contemporary English Version, Second Edition (CEV®)
© 2006 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.