Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 31

31:1

Wakefulness that comes from riches consumes the flesh,

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31:2

Wakeful anxiety will crave slumber.

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31:3

A rich man toils in gathering money together.

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31:4

A poor man toils in lack of substance.

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31:5

He who loves gold won’t be justified.

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31:6

Many have been given over to ruin for the sake of gold.

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31:7

It is a stumbling block to those who sacrifice to it.

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31:8

Blessed is the rich person who is found blameless,

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31:9

Who is he, that we may call him blessed?

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31:10

Who has been tried by it, and found perfect?

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31:11

His prosperity will be made sure.

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31:12

Do you sit at a great table? Don’t be greedy there.

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31:13

Remember that a greedy eye is a wicked thing.

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31:14

Don’t stretch your hand wherever it looks.

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31:15

Consider your neighbour’s feelings by your own.

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31:16

Eat like a human being those things which are set before you.

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31:17

Be first to stop for manners’ sake.

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31:18

And if you sit amongst many,

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31:19

How sufficient to a well-mannered man is a very little.

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31:20

Healthy sleep comes from moderate eating.

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31:21

And if you have been forced to eat,

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31:22

Hear me, my son, and don’t despise me,

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31:23

People bless him who is liberal with his food.

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31:24

The city will murmur at him who is a stingy with his food.

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31:25

Don’t show yourself valiant in wine,

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31:26

The furnace tests the temper of steel by dipping;

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31:27

Wine is as good as life to men,

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31:28

Wine drunk in season and in moderation

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31:29

Wine drunk excessively is bitterness of soul,

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31:30

Drunkenness increases the rage of a fool to his hurt.

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31:31

Don’t rebuke your neighbour at a banquet of wine.

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