Sirach 31:6-23
-
6 Gold hath been the ruin of many, and their destruction was present.
-
7 It is a stumblingblock unto them that sacrifice unto it, and every fool shall be taken therewith.
-
8 Blessed is the rich that is found without blemish, and hath not gone after gold.
-
9 Who is he? and we will call him blessed: for wonderful things hath he done among his people.
-
10 Who hath been tried thereby, and found perfect? then let him glory. Who might offend, and hath not offended? or done evil, and hath not done it?
-
11 His goods shall be established, and the congregation shall declare his alms.
-
12 If thou sit at a bountiful table, be not greedy upon it, and say not, There is much meat on it.
-
13 Remember that a wicked eye is an evil thing: and what is created more wicked than an eye? therefore it weepeth upon every occasion.
-
14 Stretch not thine hand whithersoever it looketh, and thrust it not with him into the dish.
-
15 Judge not thy neighbour by thyself: and be discreet in every point.
-
16 Eat as it becometh a man, those things which are set before thee; and devour note, lest thou be hated.
-
17 Leave off first for manners' sake; and be not unsatiable, lest thou offend.
-
18 When thou sittest among many, reach not thine hand out first of all.
-
19 A very little is sufficient for a man well nurtured, and he fetcheth not his wind short upon his bed.
-
20 Sound sleep cometh of moderate eating: he riseth early, and his wits are with him: but the pain of watching, and choler, and pangs of the belly, are with an unsatiable man.
-
21 And if thou hast been forced to eat, arise, go forth, vomit, and thou shalt have rest.
-
22 My son, hear me, and despise me not, and at the last thou shalt find as I told thee: in all thy works be quick, so shall there no sickness come unto thee.
-
23 Whoso is liberal of his meat, men shall speak well of him; and the report of his good housekeeping will be believed.