Sirach 31:12-31

Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition

¹² Art thou set at a great table? be not the first to open thy mouth upon it.

¹³ Say not: There are many things which are upon it.

¹⁴ Remember that a wicked eye is evil.

¹⁵ What is created more wicked than an eye? therefore shall it weep over all the face when it shall see.

¹⁶ Stretch not out thy hand first, lest being disgraced with envy thou be put to confusion.

¹⁷ Be not hasty in a feast.

¹⁸ Judge of the disposition of thy neighbour by thyself.

¹⁹ Use as a frugal man the things that are set before thee: lest if thou eatest much, thou be hated.

²⁰ Leave off first, for manners' sake: and exceed not, lest thou offend.

²¹ And if thou sittest among many, reach not thy hand out first of all: and be not the first to ask for drink.

²² How sufficient is a little wine for a man well taught, and in sleeping thou shalt not be uneasy with it, and thou shalt feel no pain.

²³ Watching, and choler, and gripes, are with an intemperate man:

²⁴ Sound and wholesome sleep with a moderate man: he shall sleep till morning, and his soul shall be delighted with him.

²⁵ And if thou hast been forced to eat much, arise, go out, and vomit: and it shall refresh thee, and thou shalt not bring sickness upon thy body.

²⁶ Hear me, my son, and despise me not: and in the end thou shalt find my words.

²⁷ In all thy works be quick, and no infirmity shall come to thee.

²⁸ The lips of many shall bless him that is liberal of his bread, and the testimony of his truth is faithful.

²⁹ Against him that is niggardly of his bread, the city will murmur, and the testimony of his niggardliness is true.

³⁰ Challenge not them that love wine: for wine hath destroyed very many.

³¹ Fire trieth hard iron: so wine drunk to excess shall rebuke the hearts of the proud.