Sirach 30:18-25

Concerning foods.

18 Good things that are poured out on a closed mouth are the same as food offerings placed on a grave.

19 Of what use is an offering of fruit to an idol? It can't eat or smell. The person whom the Lord punishes is like this,

20 looking with the eyes and groaning like a eunuch who embraces a young woman and groans.

21 Don't let grief take you over, and don't distress yourself on purpose.

22 A joyful heart means life for a human being, and a person's rejoicing provides long life.

23 Distract yourself, cheer yourself up, and keep grief far away from you because grief has destroyed many, and there's no benefit in it.

24 Jealousy and anger shorten a person's life, and anxiety brings old age before its time.

25 Those who are cheerful and contented at meals will attend well to their food.

Footnotes

• [a]. The title appears in Gk manuscripts.
• [b]. LXXb adds 30:20c So is the one who makes judgments under pressure.
• [c]. Gk and Heb uncertain