Ecclesiasticus, 32

1. If thou be made the master [of a feast,] lift not thyself up, but be among them as one of the rest; take diligent care for them, and so sit down.

1. Have you been chosen to preside at a party? Don't give yourself airs! Just be like everyone else in the group; see to their needs and then sit down.

2. And when thou hast done all thy office, take thy place, that thou mayest be merry with them, and receive a crown for thy well ordering of the feast.

2. When you have done what you should, take your place and enjoy yourself with the others. They will congratulate you for a job well done.

3. Speak, thou that art the elder, for it becometh thee, but with sound judgment; and hinder not musick.

3. If you are older, speak as befits your age, but know what you are talking about and do not interrupt the music.

4. Pour not out words where there is a musician, and shew not forth wisdom out of time.

4. If there is a concert, refrain from speaking; it is not the time for playing the wise man.

5. A concert of musick in a banquet of wine is as a signet of carbuncle set in gold.

5. A musical concert at a wine banquet is like a ruby set in gold.

6. As a signet of an emerald set in a work of gold, so is the melody of musick with pleasant wine.

6. As an emerald signet set in a work of gold, so is the music with good wine.

7. Speak, young man, if there be need of thee: and yet scarcely when thou art twice asked.

7. If you are young, speak if you have to, but not more than twice and only if requested.

8. Let thy speech be short, comprehending much in few words; be as one that knoweth and yet holdeth his tongue.

8. Keep to the point and say it all in a few words. Show that you are well informed but not over-anxious to speak.

9. If thou be among great men, make not thyself equal with them; and when ancient men are in place, use not many words.

9. Do not try to be the equal of eminent people and do not chat when someone else is speaking.

10. Before the thunder goeth lightning; and before a shamefaced man shall go favour.

10. As lightning goes before thunder, the reputation of a modest man goes before him.

11. Rise up betimes, and be not the last; but get thee home without delay.

11. Leave the party at the right time and do not be slow about it; no lingering, go straight home!

12. There take thy pastime, and do what thou wilt: but sin not by proud speech.

12. There you may relax and do as you please, but do not sin by bragging.

13. And for these things bless him that made thee, and hath replenished thee with his good things.

13. And thank your Creator for the enjoyment of all good things.

14. Whoso feareth the Lord will receive his discipline; and they that seek him early shall find favour.

14. Whoever fears the Lord will accept his correction, and those who rise at dawn will win his favor.

15. He that seeketh the law shall be filled therewith: but the hypocrite will be offended thereat.

15. The man who follows his Law will be nourished by it, but the hypocrite will find it a stumbling block.

16. They that fear the Lord shall find judgment, and shall kindle justice as a light.

16. Those who fear the Lord will please him and their good deeds will shine as a light.

17. A sinful man will not be reproved, but findeth an excuse according to his will.

17. The sinner refuses correction and excuses himself for doing what he wants.

18. A man of counsel will be considerate; but a strange and proud man is not daunted with fear, even when of himself he hath done without counsel.

18. A person of judgment reflects beforehand; the stubborn and proud man goes ahead without worrying about anything.

19. Do nothing without advice; and when thou hast once done, repent not.

19. Never act without first reflecting, and you will have no regrets.

20. Go not in a way wherein thou mayest fall, and stumble not among the stones.

20. Do not go along a rough road lest you stumble on stones.

21. Be not confident in a plain way.

21. And do not be too sure of your step on a smooth path.

22. And beware of thine own children.

22. Beware even of your own children.

23. In every good work trust thy own soul; for this is the keeping of the commandments.

23. Be careful in whatever you do. In so doing you keep the commandments.

24. He that believeth in the Lord taketh heed to the commandment; and he that trusteth in him shall fare never the worse.

24. Those who trust in the Law will keep the commandments and those who obey the Lord will come to no harm.