DeuterocanonDeuterocanon
Chapter 32· Book IV of 7
1Have they made you ruler of a feast? Be not lifted up, Be you among them as one of them; Take thought for them, and so sit down. 2And when you have done all your office, take your place, That you may be gladdened on their account, And receive a crown for your well ordering. 3Speak, you that are the elder, for it becomes you, but with sound knowledge; And hinder not music. 4Pour not out talk where there is a performance of music, And display not your wisdom out of season. 5As a signet of carbuncle in a setting of gold, So is a concert of music in a banquet of wine. 6As a signet of emerald in a work of gold, So is a strain of music with pleasant wine. 7Speak, young man, if there be need of you; Yet scarcely if you be twice asked. 8Sum up your speech, many things in few words; Be as one that knows and yet holds his tongue. 9If you be among great men, behave not as their equal; And when another is speaking, make not much babbling. 10Before thunder speedeth lightning; And before a shamefast man favor shall go forth. 11Rise up betimes, and be not the last; Get you home quickly and loiter not: 12There take your pastime, and do what is in your heart; And sin not by proud speech: 13And for these things bless him that made you, And gives you to drink freely of his good things. 14He that fears the Lord will receive his discipline; And they that seek him early shall find favor. 15He that seeks the law shall be filled therewith: But the hypocrite shall stumble thereat. 16They that fear the Lord shall find judgement, And shall kindle righteous acts as a light. 17A sinful man shunneth reproof, And will find a judgement according to his will. 18A man of counsel will not neglect a thought; A strange and proud man will not crouch in fear, Even after he has done a thing by himself without counsel. 19Do nothing without counsel; And when you have once done, repent not. 20Go not in a way of conflict; And stumble not in stony places. 21Be not confident in a smooth way. 22And beware of your own children. 23In every work trust your own soul; For this is the keeping of the commandments. 24He that believes the law gives heed to the commandment; And he that trusts in the Lord shall suffer no loss.