Sirach 31:12-24
New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised
Table Etiquette
12 Are you seated at the table of the great?[a]
Do not be greedy at it,
and do not say, ‘How much food there is here!’
13 Remember that a greedy eye is a bad thing.
What has been created more greedy than the eye?
Therefore it sheds tears for any reason.
14 Do not reach out your hand for everything you see,
and do not crowd your neighbour[b] at the dish.
15 Judge your neighbour’s feelings by your own,
and in every matter be thoughtful.
16 Eat what is set before you like a well-bred person,[c]
and do not chew greedily, or you will give offence.
17 Be the first to stop, as befits good manners,
and do not be insatiable, or you will give offence.
18 If you are seated among many others,
do not help yourself[d] before they do.
19 How ample a little is for a well-disciplined person!
He does not breathe heavily when in bed.
20 Healthy sleep depends on moderate eating;
he rises early, and feels fit.
The distress of sleeplessness and of nausea
and colic are with the glutton.
21 If you are overstuffed with food,
get up to vomit, and you will have relief.
22 Listen to me, my child, and do not disregard me,
and in the end you will appreciate my words.
In everything you do be moderate,[e]
and no sickness will overtake you.
23 People bless someone who is liberal with food,
and their testimony to his generosity is trustworthy.
24 The city complains of someone who is stingy with food,
and their testimony to his stinginess is accurate.
Footnotes
- Sirach 31:12 Heb Syr: Gk at a great table
- Sirach 31:14 Gk him
- Sirach 31:16 Heb: Gk like a human being
- Sirach 31:18 Gk reach out your hand
- Sirach 31:22 Heb Syr: Gk industrious
New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicised Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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