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Sirach 32:1-13
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Sirach 32:1-13
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Etiquette at a Banquet
32 If 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;(A)
2 when 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.
3 Speak, you who are older, for it is your right,
but with accurate knowledge, and do not interrupt the music.(B)
4 Where there is entertainment, do not pour out talk;
do not display your cleverness at the wrong time.(C)
5 A ruby seal in a setting of gold
is a concert of music at a banquet of wine.(D)
6 A seal of emerald in a rich setting of gold
is the melody of music with good wine.
7 Speak, you who are young, if you are obliged to,
but no more than twice and only if asked.(E)
8 Be brief; say much in few words;
be as one who knows and can still hold his tongue.(F)
9 Among the great do not act as their equal;
and when another is speaking, do not babble.(G)
10 Lightning travels ahead of the thunder,
and approval goes before one who is modest.
11 Leave in good time and do not be the last;
go home quickly and do not linger.
12 Amuse yourself there to your heart’s content,
but do not sin through proud speech.
13 But above all bless your Maker,
who intoxicates you with his good gifts.(H)
Ben Sira 32:1-13
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Ben Sira 32:1-13
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Chapter 32
1 If you are chosen to preside at a dinner, do not be puffed up,
but with the guests be as one of them;
Take care of them first and then sit down;
2 see to their needs, and then take your place,
To share in their joy
and receive a wreath for a job well done.
3 You who are older, it is your right to speak,
but temper your knowledge and do not interrupt the singing.
4 Where there is entertainment, do not pour out discourse,
and do not display your wisdom at the wrong time.
5 Like a seal of carnelian in a setting of gold:
a concert of music at a banquet of wine.
6 A seal of emerald in a work of gold:
the melody of music with delicious wine.
7 Speak, young man, only when necessary,(A)
when they have asked you more than once.
8 Be brief, say much in few words;
be knowledgeable and yet quiet.
9 When among elders do not be forward,
and with officials do not be too insistent.
10 The lightning that flashes before a hailstorm:
the esteem that shines on modesty.
11 Leave in good time and do not be the last;
go home quickly without delay.
12 There enjoy doing as you wish,
but do not sin through words of pride.
13 Above all, bless your Maker,
who showers his favors upon you.
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE)
New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
New American Bible (Revised Edition) (NABRE)
Scripture texts, prefaces, introductions, footnotes and cross references used in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC All Rights Reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
New International Version (NIV) 
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NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. Copyright © 2019 by Zondervan.