Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)

1If thou be made the master (of the feast) lift not thy selfe vp, but bee among them as one of the rest, take diligent care for them, and so sit downe. 2And when thou hast done all thy office, take thy place that thou mayest be merry with them, and receiue a crowne for thy well ordering of the feast. 3Speake thou that art the elder, for it becometh thee, but with sound iudgement, and hinder not musicke. 4Powre not out words where there is a musitian, and shew not forth wisedome out of time. 5A consort of musicke in a banket of wine, is as a signet of Carbuncle set in gold. 6As a signet of an Emeraud set in a worke of gold, so is the melodie of musicke with pleasant wine. 7Speake yong man, if there be need of thee: and yet scarsely when thou art twise asked: 8Let thy speach be short, comprehending much in few words, be as one that knoweth, and yet holdeth his tongue. 9If thou be among great men, make not thy selfe equall with them, and when ancient men are in place, vse not many words. 10Before the thunder goeth lightening: and before a shamefast man shall goe fauour. 11Rise vp betimes, and be not the last: but get thee home without delay. 12There take thy pastime, & do what thou wilt: but sinne not by proud speach 13And for these things blesse him that made thee, and hath replenished thee with his good things. 14Who so feareth the Lord, will receiue his discipline, and they that seeke him early, shall find fauour. 15He that seeketh the law, shall be filled therewith: but the hypocrite will be offended thereat. 16They that feare the Lord shall find iudgement, and shall kindle iustice as a light. 17A sinfull man will not be reproued, but findeth an excuse according to his will. 18A man of counsell will be considerate, but a strange and proud man is not daunted with feare, euen when of himselfe he hath done without counsell. 19Doe nothing without aduice, and when thou hast once done, repent not. 20Goe not in a way wherein thou maiest fall, and stumble not among the stones. 21Be not confident in a plaine way. 22And beware of thine owne children. 23In euery good worke trust thy owne soule: for this is the keeping of the commandements. 24He that beleeueth in the Lord, taketh heed to the commandement, and he that trusted in him, shall fare neuer the worse.