1The sleeplessness that wealth brings makes a man lose weight; his worries drive sleep away.
2The cares of the day prevent sleep; in the same way, serious illness makes rest impossible.
Happy the one who doesn’t go after gold
3The rich man toils to increase his wealth and then sits back and lives in luxury; 4the poor man toils to survive and is in want as soon as he leaves off.
5He who loves gold cannot be righteous; whoever runs after gain will be led astray. 6Many have been ruined because of gold; disgrace went to meet them.
7Gold is a snare for those who are possessed by love of it. The senseless will be caught in it.
8Happy is the rich man who has not sinned in this way and has not gone after gold! 9Who is he? Let us say: Fortunate man! For he has given a wonderful example.
10Who 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? 11His fortune is firmly established and the assembly will acknowledge his generosity.
Dinner parties
12 ① Are you seated at a lavish banquet? Don’t be over-ready to eat and don’t say, “What a feast!”
13Remember that a greedy eye is an evil thing. What is worse than such an eye? That is why it was condemned to weep.
14Do not stretch out your hand to everything you see or be quick in reaching for a dish. 15Judge the needs of your fellow guest by your own and in all things act prudently.
16Eat what is set before you like an educated person and don’t be a glutton, lest you be detested.
17Like a well-mannered man, be the first to stop; don’t be voracious if you are to avoid difficulties. 18If important people are present, do not be the first to serve yourself.
19A little is sufficient for a well-bred person; your breathing moreover will be easier when you go to bed. 20Healthy sleeping is for the moderate eater. He rises early and feels fit! Sleeplessness and stomach trouble attend the overindulgent. 21If you are obliged to eat too much, go off and vomit and you will be at ease.
22Listen 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.
23A generous host is appreciated: he is justly praised, 24but everyone will complain about a stingy host and their complaints will be justified.
25Do not try to show how much wine you can take, for wine has been the ruin of many. 26As the furnace tests the temper of steel, so wine proves hearts and makes proud men quarrel.
27Wine is life for man if taken in moderation. What is life without wine? 28Wine makes for a glad heart and a cheerful mind, if taken moderately and at the right time. 29But if taken to excess it brings bitterness of soul, excitement and a fumbling step.
30Drunkenness inflames the anger of a stupid person to the point of scandal. It reduces his strength and brings him blows. 31Do 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 him to settle a debt.
- Sir 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.
