Sirach 32

1If they have made you the leader, do not exalt yourself; be among them like one of them. Care for them, and then recline; prepare what is needed, and then take your place.

2so that you may rejoice in their honor, and receive a reward for your instruction.

3Speak, elder, for it is fitting for you; but with sound understanding, and do not hinder song.

4Like a seal on a bag of gold is a song to God at a banquet of wine.

5Like a gold ornament set with onyx and sapphire, so are beautiful words at a banquet of wine.

6Like settings of gold and a seal of beryl, so is the sound of a psalm with the sweetness of new wine.

7Speak, young man, if there is need for you to do so, with restraint, two or three times if you are asked.

8Speak briefly, though you know much, and be like one who knows and keeps silent.

9Before hail, lightning flashes forth; and before a modest man, favor goes before him.

10Before hail, lightning flashes forth; and before shame, favor goes forth.

11When it is time to depart, do not linger; go home and do what pleases you.

12And fulfill your desire in the fear of God, and not with any lack.

13For all these things bless your Maker, who fills you with his goodness. He who seeks the law will obtain favor, but the hypocrite will be caught by it.

14One who seeks what pleases God will accept instruction, and the one who seeks him early will receive an answer through his prayer.

15Whoever seeks the law will grasp it, but the one who plays the hypocrite will be caught by it.

16One who fears Yahweh will understand judgment, and from the dawn he will bring forth wise sayings from his heart.

17A wise man will incline himself to reproof, but one who is deceived will follow his own desire. A wise man will not conceal anger, but a scoffer will not guard his tongue.

18A wise man will not take a bribe, but a proud scoffer will not keep the law.

19Do nothing without counsel, and after your deeds, do not be regretful.

20Do not walk on a path full of obstacles, and do not stumble over the same hazard twice.

21Do not trust in a way of stumbling, and in your end be on guard.

22Do not trust in the way of the wicked, and be careful in your paths. In all your ways guard yourself, for everyone who does these things keeps the commandment.

23In all your deeds guard yourself, for the one who does this keeps the commandment.

24He who keeps the law guards his life, and he who trusts in Yahweh will not be put to shame.

25until he judges the case of his people and gladdens them with his mercy.

26Mercy is beautiful in the time of his distress, like rain clouds in a time without rain.