1 Have they made you ruler of a feast? Don’t be lifted up. Be among them as one of them. Take care of them first, and then sit down. (WEB) 2 And when you have done all your duties, take your place, that you may be gladdened on their account, and receive a wreath for your good service. (WEB) 3 Speak, you who are older, for it’s your right, but with sound knowledge; and don’t interrupt the music. (WEB) 4 Don’t pour out talk where there is a performance of music. Don’t display your wisdom at the wrong time. (WEB) 5 As a ruby signet in a setting of gold, so is a music concert at a wine banquet. (WEB) 6 As an emerald signet in a work of gold, so is musical melody with pleasant wine. (WEB) 7 Speak, young man, if you are obliged to, but no more than twice, and only if asked. (WEB) 8 Sum up your speech, many things in few words. Be as one who knows and yet holds his tongue. (WEB) 9 When among great men, don’t behave as their equal. When another is speaking, don’t babble. (WEB) 10 Lightning speeds before thunder. Approval goes before one who is modest. (WEB) 11 Rise up in good time, and don’t be last. Go home quickly and don’t loiter (WEB) 12 Amuse yourself there and do what is in your heart. Don’t sin by proud speech. (WEB) 13 For these things bless your Maker, who gives you to drink freely of his good things. (WEB) 14 He who fears the Lord will receive discipline. Those who seek him early will find favor. (WEB) 15 He who seeks the law shall be filled with it, but the hypocrite will stumble at it. (WEB) 16 Those who fear the Lord will find true judgment, and will kindle righteous acts like a light. (WEB) 17 A sinful man shuns reproof, and will find a judgment according to his will. (WEB) 18 A sensible person won’t neglect a thought. An insolent and proud man won’t crouch in fear, even after he has done a thing by himself without counsel. (WEB) 19 Do nothing without counsel, but when you have acted, don’t regret it. (WEB) 20 Don’t go in a way of conflict. Don’t stumble in stony places. (WEB) 21 Don’t be overconfident on a smooth road. (WEB) 22 Beware of your own children. (WEB) 23 In every work guard your own soul, for this is the keeping of the commandments. (WEB) 24 He who believes the law gives heed to the commandment. He who trusts in the Lord will suffer no loss. (WEB)
Sirach 32:1–24
Semantically similar passages
Sirach 10:25–27
25 Free men will minister to a wise servant. A man who has knowledge will not complain. (WEB) 26 Don’t flaunt your wisdom in doing your work. Don’t boast in the time of your distress. (WEB) 27 Better is he who labors and abounds in all things, than he who boasts and lacks bread. (WEB)
Sirach 1:28–30
28 Don’t disobey the fear of the Lord. Don’t come to him with a double heart. (WEB) 29 Don’t be a hypocrite in men’s sight. Keep watch over your lips. (WEB) 30 Don’t exalt yourself, lest you fall and bring dishonor upon your soul. The Lord will reveal your secrets and will cast you… (WEB)
Testament of Judah 3:24–26
24 Observe, therefore, my children, the right limit in wine; for there are in it four evil spirits--of lust, of hot desire, of profligacy, of filthy lucre. (T12) 25 If ye drink wine in gladness, be ye modest in the fear of God. (T12) 26 For if in your gladness the fear of God depar… (T12)
Psalms 75:4–6
4 I say to the proud, ‘Do not boast,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn. 5 Do not lift up your horn against heaven or speak with an outstretched neck.’” 6 For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert,
Sirach 4:21–23
21 For there is a shame that brings sin, and there is a shame that is glory and grace. (WEB) 22 Don’t show partiality, discrediting your soul. Don’t revere any man to your falling. (WEB) 23 Don’t refrain from speaking when it is for safety. Don’t hide your wisdom for the sake of se… (WEB)
Proverbs 8:32–34
32 Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways. 33 Listen to instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. 34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway.
Sirach 4:28–30
28 Strive for the truth to death, and the Lord God will fight for you. (WEB) 29 Don’t be hasty with your tongue, or slack and negligent in your deeds. (WEB) 30 Don’t be like a lion in your house, or suspicious of your servants. (WEB)
Sirach 5:11–13
11 Be swift to hear and answer with patience. (WEB) 12 If you have understanding, answer your neighbor; but if not, put your hand over your mouth. (WEB) 13 Glory and dishonor is in talk. A man’s tongue may be his downfall. (WEB)
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