Chapter Thirty-Two

Be wise and thoughtful in fulfilling your duties. Be restrained and respectful toward your elders. Do nothing without sound reflection.

Sirach 32:1. – If you have been set as a leader at a feast, do not exalt yourself; be among others as one of them: Sirach 32:2. – care for them first, then sit down. And when you have completed all your duties, take your place, Sirach 32:3. – so that you may rejoice with them and receive a crown for your good management. Sirach 32:4. – You, as the elder, should lead the conversation – for this is fitting for you – Sirach 32:5. – with sound knowledge, and do not hinder the music. Sirach 32:6. – When there is music, do not multiply speech, and do not display wisdom at an inopportune time. 6. When table music is heard (see verses 5 and 7), – refrain from talking.

Sirach 32:7. – As a ruby seal set in gold is the melodious sound of music at a wine feast; Sirach 32:8. – as an emerald seal set in a gold mounting is the pleasant sound of songs over fine wine. Sirach 32:9. – Speak, young man, if you must, just barely a word, when you are asked, Sirach 32:10. – speak to the point, much in few words. Be as one who knows, and yet knows how to be silent. Sirach 32:11. – Among the great do not set yourself equal to them, and when another is speaking, do not speak much. Sirach 32:12. – Lightning precedes thunder, and modesty precedes favor. 12. The modesty of a young man and the goodwill of society toward him are so closely connected as lightning and thunder.

Sirach 32:13. – Rise at the right time and do not be the last; hurry home and do not linger. Sirach 32:14. – There enjoy yourself and do as you please; but do not sin with proud speech. Sirach 32:15. – And for this bless the One who created you and feeds you with His blessings. Sirach 32:16. – The one who fears the Lord will receive instruction, and those who seek Him early will find His favor. Sirach 32:17. – The one who seeks the law will be satisfied by it, but the hypocrite will stumble in it. Sirach 32:18. – Those who fear the Lord will find justice and will kindle righteousness like a light. Sirach 32:19. – A sinful man shuns correction and finds an excuse according to his desire. Sirach 32:20. – A prudent man does not neglect reflection, but a foolish and proud man does not tremble with fear even after doing something without thought. Sirach 32:21. – Do nothing without reflection, and when you act, do not regret. Sirach 32:22. – Do not walk on a path full of ruins, so that you do not stumble over a stone; Sirach 32:23. – do not rely even on a smooth path; be wary even of your own children. Sirach 32:24. – In all your affairs trust your soul: and this is keeping the commandments. 24. See Sir 17:5-8. The natural law of faith and morality is placed by the Creator in the heart of each person. And the purer a person, – the clearer in him is the voice of this law – the reason and conscience of man.

Sirach 32:25. – One who believes the law pays heed to the commandments, and one who trusts in the Lord will not suffer harm.