Ben Sira 31:6-16

6 Many have come to ruin because of gold, and their destruction has met them face to face.
7 It is a stumbling block to those who are devoted to it, and every fool will be taken captive by it.
8 Blessed is the rich man who is found blameless, and who does not go after gold.
9 Who is he? And we will call him blessed, for he has done wonderful things among his people.
10 Who has been tested by it and been found perfect? Let it be for him a ground for boasting. Who has had the power to transgress and did not transgress, and to do evil and did not do it?
11 His prosperity will be established, and the assembly will relate his acts of charity.
12 Are you seated at the table of a great man? Do not be greedy at it, and do not say, "There is certainly much upon it!"
13 Remember that a greedy eye is a bad thing. What has been created more greedy than the eye? Therefore it sheds tears from every face.
14 Do not reach out your hand for everything you see, and do not crowd your neighbor at the dish.
15 Judge your neighbor's feelings by your own, and in every matter be thoughtful.
16 Eat like a human being what is set before you, and do not chew greedily, lest you be hated.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.