Sirach 31:24-31

1. 24 But against him that is a niggard of his meat the whole city shall murmur; and the testimonies of his niggardness shall not be doubted of.

2. 25 Shew not thy valiantness in wine; for wine hath destroyed many.

3. 26 The furnace proveth the edge by dipping: so doth wine the hearts of the proud by drunkeness.

4. 27 Wine is as good as life to a man, if it be drunk moderately: what life is then to a man that is without wine? for it was made to make men glad.

5. 28 Wine measurably drunk and in season bringeth gladness of the heart, and cheerfulness of the mind:

6. 29 But wine drunken with excess maketh bitterness of the mind, with brawling and quarrelling.

7. 30 Drunkenness increaseth the rage of a fool till he offend: it diminisheth strength, and maketh wounds.

8. 31 Rebuke not thy neighbour at the wine, and despise him not in his mirth: give him no despiteful words, and press not upon him with urging him [to drink.]

• ‹ Sirach 31:23
• Sirach 32:1 ›