Liber Ecclesiasticus, 33
1. Timenti Dominum non occurrent mala, sed in tentatione Deus illum iterum conservabit et liberabit a malis.
1. If they make you master of the feast, do not exalt yourself; be among them as one of them; take good care of them and then be seated;
2. Sapiens non odit mandata et iustitias et non illidetur quasi in procella navis.
2. when you have fulfilled your duties, take your place, that you may be merry on their account and receive a wreath for your excellent leadership.
3. Homo sensatus credit verbo Dei, et lex illi fidelis sicut qui interrogationem manifestat.
3. Speak, you who are older, for it is fitting that you should, but with accurate knowledge, and do not interrupt the music.
4. Para verba et sic deprecatus exaudieris et conservabis disciplinam et tunc respondebis.
4. Where there is entertainment, do not pour out talk; do not display your cleverness out of season.
5. Praecordia fatui quasi rota carri, et quasi axis versatilis cogitatus illius.
5. A ruby seal in a setting of gold is a concert of music at a banquet of wine.
6. Equus admissarius, sic et amicus subsannator: sub omni suprasedente hinnit.
6. A seal of emerald in a rich setting of gold is the melody of music with good wine.
7. Quare dies diem superat, si omnis lux anni a sole?
7. Speak, young man, if there is need of you, but no more than twice, and only if asked.
8. A Domini scientia separati sunt,
8. Speak concisely, say much in few words; be as one who knows and yet holds his tongue.
9. et immutavit tempora et dies festos ipsorum.
9. Among the great do not act as their equal; and when another is speaking, do not babble.
10. Ex ipsis exaltavit et magnificavit Deus et ex ipsis posuit in numerum dierum. Et omnes homines de solo, et ex terra creatus est Adam.
10. Lightning speeds before the thunder, and approval precedes a modest man.
11. In multitudine disciplinae Dominus separavit eos et immutavit vias eorum:
11. Leave in good time and do not be the last; go home quickly and do not linger.
12. ex ipsis benedixit et exaltavit et ex ipsis sanctificavit et ad se applicavit; ex ipsis maledixit et humiliavit et convertit illos a statione ipsorum.
12. Amuse yourself there, and do what you have in mind, but do not sin through proud speech.
13. Quasi lutum figuli in manu ipsius plasmare illud et disponere
13. And for these things bless him who made you and satisfies you with his good gifts.
14. secundum beneplacitum eius, sic homo in manu illius, qui se fecit et reddet illi secundum iudicium suum.
14. He who fears the Lord will accept his discipline, and those who rise early to seek him will find favor.
15. Contra malum bonum est, et contra mortem vita; sic et contra virum iustum peccator. Et sic intuere in omnia opera Altissimi, duo et duo, et unum contra unum.
15. He who seeks the law will be filled with it, but the hypocrite will stumble at it.
16. Et ego novissimus evigilavi et, quasi qui colligit acinos post vindemiatores,
16. Those who fear the Lord will form true judgments, and like a light they will kindle righteous deeds.
17. in benedictione Dei et ipse praecessi et, quasi qui vindemiat, replevi torcular.
17. A sinful man will shun reproof, and will find a decision according to his liking.
18. Respicite quoniam non mihi soli laboravi sed omnibus exquirentibus disciplinam.
18. A man of judgment will not overlook an idea, and an insolent and proud man will not cower in fear.
19. Audite me, magnates populi; et rectores ecclesiae, auribus percipite.
19. Do nothing without deliberation; and when you have acted, do not regret it.
20. Filio et mulieri, fratri et amico non des potestatem super te in vita tua; et non dederis alii possessionem tuam, ne forte paeniteat te et depreceris pro illis.
20. Do not go on a path full of hazards, and do not stumble over stony ground.
21. Dum adhuc superes et aspiras, non commutes teipsum cum omni carne.
21. Do not be overconfident on a smooth way,
22. Melius est enim, ut filii tui te rogent, quam te respicere in manus filiorum tuorum.
22. and give good heed to your paths.
23. In omnibus operibus tuis praecellens esto,
23. Guard yourself in every act, for this is the keeping of the commandments.
24. ne dederis maculam in gloria tua. In die consummationis dierum vitae tuae et in tempore exitus tui distribue hereditatem tuam.
24. He who believes the law gives heed to the commandments, and he who trusts the Lord will not suffer loss.
25. Cibaria et virga et onus asino, panis et disciplina et opus servo.
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26. Operare per servum et invenies requiem; laxa manus illi, et quaeret libertatem.
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27. Iugum et lorum curvant collum, et servum inclinant operationes assiduae.
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28. Servo malevolo tortura et compedes, mitte illum in operationem, ne vacet:
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29. multam enim malitiam docuit otiositas.
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30. In opera constitue eum, sic enim condecet illum; quod si non obaudierit, curva illum compedibus, sed non immoderate in omnem carnem; verum sine iudicio nihil facias grave.
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31. Si est tibi servus unicus, sit tibi quasi anima tua, quoniam sicut te indigebis illo. Si est tibi servus unicus, quasi fratrem sic eum tracta, ne in sanguinem animae tuae irascaris.
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32. Si laeseris eum iniuste, in fugam convertetur;
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33. et, si surgens discesserit, in qua via quaeras illum, nescis.
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