Ben Sira 32:1-10

1 If they make you master of the feast, do not exalt yourself; be among them as one of their number. Take care of them first and then sit down;
2 when you have fulfilled all your duties, take your place, so that you may be merry along with them and receive a wreath for your excellent leadership.
3 Speak, you who are older, for it is your right, but with accurate knowledge, and do not interrupt the music.
4 Where there is entertainment, do not pour out talk; do not display your cleverness at the wrong time.
5 A ruby seal in a setting of gold is a concert of music at a banquet of wine.
6 A seal of emerald in a rich setting of gold is the melody of music with good wine.
7 Speak, you who are young, if you are obliged to, but no more than twice, and only if asked.
8 Be brief; say much in few words; be as one who knows and can still hold his tongue.
9 Among the great do not act as their equal; and when another is speaking, do not babble.
10 Lightning travels ahead of the thunder, and approval goes before one who is modest.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, 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.