Sirach 32

1 Have you been appointed leader of a feast? Do not exalt yourself. Be among the guests as one of them; take care of them, and then sit down.

2 After fulfilling every duty, take your place so that you may enjoy the feast because of them and receive a crown for arranging it well.

3 Elder, speak, because it is fitting for you, but speak with precise knowledge and do not hinder the music.

4 When music is being heard, do not pour out words or display your wisdom at the wrong time.

5 A musical performance at a wine banquet is like a garnet seal set in gold.

6 A musical melody with pleasant wine is like an emerald seal set in goldwork.

7 Young person, speak if you are needed, and only after you have been asked twice.

8 Summarize your speech, saying much in few words. Be like someone who knows and can also remain silent.

9 When you are among the great, do not treat yourself as their equal; when another person is speaking, do not talk excessively.

10 Lightning rushes ahead of thunder, and favor goes before a modest person.

11 Leave at the proper time and do not linger at the end; hurry home without delay.

12 Enjoy yourself there and do what you wish, but do not sin through arrogant speech.

13 For all these things, bless the one who made you and filled you abundantly with his good things.

14 Whoever fears the Lord will welcome discipline, and those who seek him early will find his good pleasure.

15 Whoever seeks the law will be filled with it, but a hypocrite will stumble over it.

16 Those who fear the Lord will find judgment and kindle righteous acts like a light.

17 A sinner turns away from correction and finds an excuse that suits his own will.

18 A person of counsel will not overlook careful thought, but a proud outsider will not be struck by fear.

19 Do nothing without counsel, and after you have acted, do not regret it.

20 Do not travel on a path where you may fall or stumble among stones.

21 Do not be overconfident even on a smooth road.

22 Guard yourself even from your own children.

23 In every good work, trust your own soul, for this too is a way of keeping the commands.

24 Whoever trusts the law heeds the commands, and whoever relies on the Lord will suffer no loss.