1 The sleeplessness that wealth brings makes a man lose weight; his worries
drive sleep away.
2 The cares of the day prevent sleep; in the same way, serious illness
makes rest impossible.
Happy the one who doesn¡¯t go after gold
3 The rich man toils to increase his wealth and then sits back and lives
in luxury;
4 the poor man toils to survive and is in want as soon as he leaves off.
5 He who loves gold cannot be righteous; whoever runs after gain will be
led astray.
6 Many have been ruined because of gold; disgrace went to meet them.
7 Gold is a snare for those who are possessed by love of it. The
senseless will be caught in it.
8 Happy is the rich man who has not sinned in this way and has not gone
after gold!
9 Who is he? Let us say: Fortunate man! For he has given a wonderful
example.
10 Who has been tested in this and found perfect? He has reason to be
proud. Who could have sinned but resisted, who could have done wrong and
did not do it?
11 His fortune is firmly established and the assembly will acknowledge
his generosity.
Dinner parties
12 Are you seated at a lavish banquet? Don¡¯t be over-ready to eat and
don¡¯t say, ¡°What a feast!¡±
13 Remember that a greedy eye is an evil thing. What is worse than such
an eye? That is why it was condemned to weep.
14 Do not stretch out your hand to every thing you see or be quick in
reaching for a dish.
15 Judge the needs of your fellow guest by your own and in all things
act prudently.
16 Eat what is set before you like an educated person and don¡¯t be a
glutton, lest you be de tested.
17 Like a well-mannered man, be the first to stop; don¡¯t be voracious if
you are to avoid difficulties.
18 If important people are present, do not be the first to serve
yourself.
19 A little is sufficient for a well-bred person; your breathing
moreover will be easier when you go to bed.
20 Healthy sleep ing is for the mod erate eater. He rises early and
feels fit! Sleeplessness and stomach trouble attend the overindulgent.
21 If you are obliged to eat too much, go off and vomit and you will be
at ease.
22 Listen to me, my friend, and do not neglect what I say; in the end
you will see the truth of it. Be moderate in all that you do and you
will be without illness.
23 A generous host is appreciated: he is justly praised,
24 but everyone will complain about a stingy host and their complaints
will be justified.
25 Do not try to show how much wine you can take, for wine has been the
ruin of many.
26 As the furnace tests the temper of steel, so wine proves hearts and
makes proud men quarrel.
27 Wine is life for man if taken in moderation. What is life without
wine?
28 Wine makes for a glad heart and a cheerful mind, if taken moderately
and at the right time.
29 But if taken to excess it brings bitterness of soul, excitement and a
fumbling step.
30 Drunkenness inflames the anger of a stupid person to the point of
scandal. It reduces his strength and brings him blows.
31 Do not reproach a neighbor during a wine feast, and don¡¯t look down
on him when he is merry; do not speak harshly to him or annoy him by
asking h
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Comments Sirach, Chapter 31
• 31.12 The Bible does not condemn the use of wine: it was made for our
delight (see Ps 104:15). Only those consecrated as nazirs abstain from
wine. The New Testament will not condemn wine either: such is the
meaning of Jesus¡¯ first miracle in Cana (Jn 2).
Nevertheless, the books of Wisdom have many warnings against
drunkenness. See what Paul has to say in Eph 5:18 and 1 Cor 5:11.