Siracide, 32

1. Non inorgoglirti se t'hanno posto a capo, sta' con i convitati come uno di loro, provvedi prima a loro e poi siedi.

1. Wakefulness over wealth wastes away one's flesh, and anxiety about it removes sleep.

2. Siediti, dopo aver espletato il tuo compito, per rallegrarti della loro allegrezza e ricevere la corona per le tue buone maniere.

2. Wakeful anxiety prevents slumber, and a severe illness carries off sleep.

3. Parla, o anziano, perché ti s'addice, ma con saggezza e senza intralciare la musica.

3. The rich man toils as his wealth accumulates, and when he rests he fills himself with his dainties.

4. Se c'è uno spettacolo, non versare parole, non sfoggiare sapienza fuori tempo.

4. The poor man toils as his livelihood diminishes, and when he rests he becomes needy.

5. Rubino incastonato nel monile d'oro un concerto di mùsici mentre si beve il vino.

5. He who loves gold will not be justified, and he who pursues money will be led astray by it.

6. Smeraldo incastonato nell'oggetto d'oro la melodia dei mùsici con il dolce vino.

6. Many have come to ruin because of gold, and their destruction has met them face to face.

7. Parla, o giovane, se c'è bisogno, non più di due volte, solo se interrogato.

7. It is a stumbling block to those who are devoted to it, and every fool will be taken captive by it.

8. Sintetizza il discorso, di' molto in poco, sii come chi sa, eppure tace.

8. Blessed is the rich man who is found blameless, and who does not go after gold.

9. Tra i grandi non darti importanza e tra gli anziani non ciarlare molto.

9. Who is he? And we will call him blessed, for he has done wonderful things among his people.

10. Prima del tuono s'affretta il lampo, così il favore precede l'uomo modesto.

10. Who has been tested by it and been found perfect? Let it be for him a ground for boasting. Who has had the power to transgress and did not transgress, and to do evil and did not do it?

11. A'lzati in tempo e non attardarti, corri a casa senza perdere tempo.

11. His prosperity will be established, and the assembly will relate his acts of charity.

12. Divèrtiti e appaga i tuoi desideri, ma non peccare con parole superbe.

12. Are you seated at the table of a great man? Do not be greedy at it, and do not say, "There is certainly much upon it!"

13. Per tutto questo benedici il tuo Creatore che ti inebria con i suoi beni.

13. Remember that a greedy eye is a bad thing. What has been created more greedy than the eye? Therefore it sheds tears from every face.

14. Chi teme il Signore accoglie l'istruzione, quelli che vegliano trovano il suo favore.

14. Do not reach out your hand for everything you see, and do not crowd your neighbor at the dish.

15. Chi scruta la legge ne sarà ripieno, ma l'ipocrita vi troverà scandalo.

15. Judge your neighbor's feelings by your own, and in every matter be thoughtful.

16. Quanti temono il Signore sanno giudicare, brillano come luce i loro giudizi.

16. Eat like a human being what is set before you, and do not chew greedily, lest you be hated.

17. Il peccatore rifiuterà il rimprovero e prenderà la decisione che gli piace.

17. Be the first to stop eating, for the sake of good manners, and do not be insatiable, lest you give offense.

18. L'uomo di senno non disprezza la riflessione, ma l'empio superbo non prova timore.

18. If you are seated among many persons, do not reach out your hand before they do.

19. Non far nulla senza consiglio e non cambiare idea mentre stai operando.

19. How ample a little is for a well-disciplined man! He does not breathe heavily upon his bed.

20. Non andare su strada scivolosa, così non batterai sulle pietre.

20. Healthy sleep depends on moderate eating; he rises early, and feels fit. The distress of sleeplessness and of nausea and colic are with the glutton.

21. Non avventurarti su strada inesplorata

21. If you are overstuffed with food, get up in the middle of the meal, and you will have relief.

22. e guàrdati dai tuoi stessi figli.

22. Listen to me, my son, and do not disregard me, and in the end you will appreciate my words. In all your work be industrious, and no sickness will overtake you.

23. In tutto quello che fai fidati di te stesso, poiché anche questo è secondo i comandamenti.

23. Men will praise the one who is liberal with food, and their testimony to his excellence is trustworthy.

24. Chi crede nella legge bada ai comandamenti, chi confida nel Signore non sarà umiliato.

24. The city will complain of the one who is niggardly with food, and their testimony to his niggardliness is accurate.

25.

25. Do not aim to be valiant over wine, for wine has destroyed many.

26.

26. Fire and water prove the temper of steel, so wine tests hearts in the strife of the proud.

27.

27. Wine is like life to men, if you drink it in moderation. What is life to a man who is without wine? It has been created to make men glad.

28.

28. Wine drunk in season and temperately is rejoicing of heart and gladness of soul.

29.

29. Wine drunk to excess is bitterness of soul, with provocation and stumbling.

30.

30. Drunkenness increases the anger of a fool to his injury, reducing his strength and adding wounds.

31.

31. Do not reprove your neighbor at a banquet of wine, and do not despise him in his merrymaking; speak no word of reproach to him, and do not afflict him by making demands of him.