The Holy Bible



« Chapter 30 «--- Sirach ---» Chapter 32»

Sirach 31 : 1 - 42

Chapter 31

1Watching for riches consumeth the flesh, and the thought thereof driveth away sleep.
2The thinking beforehand turneth away the understanding, and a grievous sickness maketh the soul sober.
3The rich man hath laboured in gathering riches together, and when he resteth he shall be filled with his goods.
4The poor man hath laboured in his low way of life, and in the end he is still poor.
5He that loveth gold, shall not be justified: and he that followeth after corruption, shall be filled with it.
6Many have been brought to fall for gold, and the beauty thereof hath been their ruin.
7Gold is a stumblingblock to them that sacrifice to it: woe to them that eagerly follow after it, and every fool shall perish by it.
8Blessed is the rich man that is found without blemish: and that hath not gone after gold, nor put his trust in money nor in treasures.
9Who is he, and we will praise him? for he hath done wonderful things in his life.
10Who hath been tried thereby, and made perfect, he shall have glory everlasting. He that could have transgressed, and hath not transgressed: and could do evil things, and hath not done them:
11Therefore are his goods established in the Lord, and all the church of the saints shall declare his alms.
12Art thou set at a great table? be not the first to open thy mouth upon it.
13Say not: There are many things which are upon it.
14Remember that a wicked eye is evil.
15What is created more wicked than an eye? therefore shall it weep over all the face when it shall see.
16Stretch not out thy hand first, lest being disgraced with envy thou be put to confusion.
17Be not hasty in a feast.
18Judge of the disposition of thy neighbour by thyself.
19Use as a frugal man the things that are set before thee: lest if thou eatest much, thou be hated.
20Leave off first, for manners' sake: and exceed not, lest thou offend.
21And if thou sittest among many, reach not thy hand out first of all: and be not the first to ask for drink.
22How sufficient is a little wine for a man well taught, and in sleeping thou shalt not be uneasy with it, and thou shalt feel no pain.
23Watching, and choler, and gripes, are with an intemperate man:
24Sound and wholesome sleep with a moderate man: he shall sleep till morning, and his soul shall be delighted with him.
25And if thou hast been forced to eat much, arise, go out, and vomit: and it shall refresh thee, and thou shalt not bring sickness upon thy body.
26Hear me, my son, and despise me not: and in the end thou shalt find my words.
27In all thy works be quick, and no infirmity shall come to thee.
28The lips of many shall bless him that is liberal of his bread, and the testimony of his truth is faithful.
29Against him that is niggardly of his bread, the city will murmur, and the testimony of his niggardliness is true.
30Challenge not them that love wine: for wine hath destroyed very many.
31Fire trieth hard iron: so wine drunk to excess shall rebuke the hearts of the proud.
32Wine taken with sobriety is equal lire to men: if thou drink it moderately, thou shalt be sober.
33What is his life, who is diminished with wine?
34What taketh away life? death.
35Wine was created from the beginning to make men joyful, and not to make them drunk.
36Wine drunken with moderation is the joy of the soul and the heart.
37Sober drinking is health to soul and body.
38Wine drunken with excess raiseth quarrels; and wrath, and many ruins.
39Wine drunken with excess is bitterness of the soul.
40The heat of drunkenness is the stumblingblock of the fool, lessening strength and causing wounds.
41Rebuke not thy neighbour in a banquet of wine: and despise him not in hip mirth.
42Speak not to him words of reproach: and press him not in demanding again.


Acknowledgement

Opening page



Return to previous page.