Sirach 31

1 Losing sleep over riches consumes the flesh, and anxiety about them drives away sleep.

2 Wakeful anxiety prevents drowsiness, just as a severe illness drives away sleep.

3 A rich person labors to gather wealth and then rests surrounded by his luxuries.

4 A poor person labors while his livelihood dwindles and remains needy even when he rests.

5 Whoever loves gold will not be found righteous, and whoever pursues profit will be led astray by it.

6 Many have fallen because of gold, and their destruction stood before them.

7 Gold is a stumbling block to those obsessed with it, and every fool is caught by it.

8 Blessed is the rich person found blameless who has not pursued gold.

9 Who is this person? We will call him blessed, for he has done marvelous things among his people.

10 Who was tested by it and found complete? Let that be his boast. Who could have broken the law but did not, or done evil but refused?

11 His good things will be established, and the assembly will recount his acts of mercy.

12 If you sit at a lavish table, do not open your throat greedily or say, ‘There is so much food here.’

13 Remember that an evil eye is a wicked thing. What has been created more wicked than an eye? This is why it weeps at every turn.

14 Do not stretch out your hand wherever another person’s eye looks or crowd him in the serving dish.

15 Consider your neighbor’s needs from your own experience, and be thoughtful in every matter.

16 Eat what is set before you like a well-mannered person, and do not devour it or you will be hated.

17 Be the first to stop eating for the sake of good manners. Do not be greedy and give offense.

18 When you sit among many people, do not reach out your hand before they do.

19 A little is enough for a well-instructed person, and he does not struggle to breathe in bed.

20 Moderate eating brings healthy sleep; a person rises early with a clear mind. Sleeplessness, nausea, and stomach pains accompany a greedy eater.

21 If you have been forced to overeat, get up, go far away, vomit, and you will have relief.

22 My child, listen to me and do not despise me; in the end you will find my words true. Be diligent in everything you do, and no illness will meet you.

23 People bless someone generous with bread, and the witness to his generosity is trustworthy.

24 The city complains about someone stingy with bread, and the witness to his stinginess is accurate.

25 Do not show your strength in wine, for wine has destroyed many.

26 A furnace tests an edge by dipping, and wine tests hearts in the quarrels of the arrogant.

27 Wine is like life for people when drunk in moderation. What is life to someone deprived of wine? It was created to make people glad.

28 Wine drunk in moderation at the proper time brings gladness of heart and joy of soul.

29 Wine drunk in excess brings bitterness of soul, provocation, and stumbling.

30 Drunkenness increases a fool’s rage until he stumbles; it reduces strength and causes wounds.

31 Do not correct your neighbor at a wine banquet or despise him in his merriment. Do not speak insulting words or pressure him with demands.