Sirach

1Have they made you ruler of a feast? Be not lifted up, Be you among them as one of them; Take thought for them, and so sit down.

2And when you have done all your office, take your place, That you may be gladdened on their account, And receive a crown for your well ordering.

3Speak, you that are the elder, for it becomes you, but with sound knowledge; And hinder not music.

4Pour not out talk where there is a performance of music, And display not your wisdom out of season.

5As a signet of carbuncle in a setting of gold, So is a concert of music in a banquet of wine.

6As a signet of emerald in a work of gold, So is a strain of music with pleasant wine.

7Speak, young man, if there be need of you; Yet scarcely if you be twice asked.

8Sum up your speech, many things in few words; Be as one that knows and yet holds his tongue.

9If you be among great men, behave not as their equal; And when another is speaking, make not much babbling.

10Before thunder speedeth lightning; And before a shamefast man favor shall go forth.

11Rise up betimes, and be not the last; Get you home quickly and loiter not:

12There take your pastime, and do what is in your heart; And sin not by proud speech:

13And for these things bless him that made you, And gives you to drink freely of his good things.

14He that fears the Lord will receive his discipline; And they that seek him early shall find favor.

15He that seeks the law shall be filled therewith: But the hypocrite shall stumble thereat.

16They that fear the Lord shall find judgement, And shall kindle righteous acts as a light.

17A sinful man shunneth reproof, And will find a judgement according to his will.

18A man of counsel will not neglect a thought; A strange and proud man will not crouch in fear, Even after he has done a thing by himself without counsel.

19Do nothing without counsel; And when you have once done, repent not.

20Go not in a way of conflict; And stumble not in stony places.

21Be not confident in a smooth way.

22And beware of your own children.

23In every work trust your own soul; For this is the keeping of the commandments.

24He that believes the law gives heed to the commandment; And he that trusts in the Lord shall suffer no loss.