Sirach 32:1-9

1. 1 If thou be made the master [of a feast,] lift not thyself up, but be among them as one of the rest; take diligent care for them, and so sit down.

2. 2 And when thou hast done all thy office, take thy place, that thou mayest be merry with them, and receive a crown for thy well ordering of the feast.

3. 3 Speak, thou that art the elder, for it becometh thee, but with sound judgment; and hinder not musick.

4. 4 Pour not out words where there is a musician, and shew not forth wisdom out of time.

5. 5 A concert of musick in a banquet of wine is as a signet of carbuncle set in gold.

6. 6 As a signet of an emerald set in a work of gold, so is the melody of musick with pleasant wine.

7. 7 Speak, young man, if there be need of thee: and yet scarcely when thou art twice asked.

8. 8 Let thy speech be short, comprehending much in few words; be as one that knoweth and yet holdeth his tongue.

9. 9 If thou be among great men, make not thyself equal with them; and when ancient men are in place, use not many words.

• ‹ Sirach 31:31
• Sirach 32:10 ›