Sirach 32 - Common English Bible (CEB)

32 If they have appointed you
as the banquet leader,
don’t think too much of yourself;
behave toward them
as if you were one of them.
Take care of their needs
and then sit down.
2 When you have done
everything necessary, recline,
so that you can have fun with them,
and because of your excellent behavior
you will receive a wreath.

3 Speak, you who are older,
for it’s your privilege.
But know what you’re talking about,
and don’t interrupt the music.
4 Where there’s a performance,
don’t talk too much,
and don’t be clever at the wrong time.
5 A musical performance at a wine party
is like a ruby seal on a gold ornament.
6 Melodic music accompanying sweet wine
is like an emerald seal
in a setting of gold.
7 Speak, you who are young,
if it’s necessary,
but only twice,
and only if you are asked.
8 Sum up what you have to say;
much can be said in few words.
Be like one who knows
but who can keep silent.
9 When you are among the more influential, don’t presume authority;
and where elders are present,
don’t talk idly about many things.
10 Lightning comes before thunder,
and good favor walks
in front of a modest person.
11 Rise up to leave in time,
and don’t be the last person out;
go back to your own home,
and don’t miss your work
the next day.
12 Enjoy yourself there,
and do what you please,
but don’t sin with arrogant words.
13 More than this,
bless the one who made you
and who lets you drink freely
from his good bounty.

On divine providence

14 Whoever fears the Lord
will accept instruction;
those who rise early
will find approval.
15 Whoever seeks the Law
will be filled with it,
but the hypocrite will stumble over it.
16 Those who fear the Lord
will discover his decree,
and they will kindle righteous deeds
like a lamp.
17 Sinful people turn away from correction;
they will look for a judgment
that suits them.

18 A well-advised person
won’t overlook an intelligent thought;
the stranger and the arrogant
won’t cower out of fear.
19 Do nothing without deliberation,
and when you have acted,
don’t feel regret.
20 Don’t walk on a hazardous path,
and don’t stumble on stony ground.[a]
21 Don’t trust an unexplored road,
22 and be on guard
concerning your children.[b]
23 Trust yourself[c] in every action,
because this also means
keeping the commandments.

24 Whoever has faith in the Law
pays attention to the commandments;
whoever trusts the Lord
won’t suffer loss.

Footnotes

  1. Sirach 32:20 Heb don’t stumble twice on an obstacle
  2. Sirach 32:22 Heb Be careful of your paths
  3. Sirach 32:23 Heb be careful of yourself

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32 They have set thee a governor, do not thou be enhanced (or exalted); be thou among them as one of them. Have thou (the) care of them, and so behold thou; and when all thy care is filled, sit thou to meat [or (to) rest]. 2 That thou be glad for them, and take the ornament of grace; and get (a) cro...
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Sirach 32 - Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE)

Etiquette at a Banquet32 If they make you master of the feast, do not exalt yourself; be among them as one of them;take good care of them and then be seated;2 when you have fulfilled your duties, take your place,that you may be merry on their account and receive a wreath for your excellent leadersh...
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Sirach 32 - Revised Standard Version (RSV)

Etiquette at a Banquet32 If they make you master of the feast, do not exalt yourself; be among them as one of them;take good care of them and then be seated;2 when you have fulfilled your duties, take your place,that you may be merry on their account and receive a wreath for your excellent leadersh...
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Sirach 32 - New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised (NRSVA)

Etiquette at a Banquet32 If they make you master of the feast, do not exalt yourself; be among them as one of their number.Take care of them first and then sit down;2 when you have fulfilled all your duties, take your place,so that you may be merry along with them and receive a garland for your exc...
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Sirach 32 - New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Etiquette at a Banquet32 If they make you master of the feast, do not exalt yourself; be among them as one of their number.Take care of them first and then sit down;(A)2 when you have fulfilled all your duties, take your place,so that you may be merry along with them and receive a wreath for your e...
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Sirach 32 - Good News Translation (GNT)

32 If you are chosen to preside at a banquet, don't put on airs. Just be like everyone else. Look after the guests before you sit down. 2 After you have performed your duties, you can sit down and enjoy yourself with the others. They will respect you for doing a good job. 3 If you are older than mos...
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Sirach 32 - Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA)

32 Have they made thee ruler? be not lifted up: be among them as one of them. 2 Have care of them, and so sit down, and when thou hast acquitted thyself of all thy charge, take thy place: 3 That thou mayst rejoice for them, and receive a crown as an ornament of grace, and get the honour of the contr...
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Sirach 32 - Common English Bible (CEB)

32 If they have appointed youas the banquet leader, don’t think too much of yourself; behave toward them as if you were one of them. Take care of their needs and then sit down.2 When you have doneeverything necessary, recline,so that you can have fun with them, and because of your excellent behavior...
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