Sirach 31:26

26 A furnace tests the hardening of steel when it's dipped, so wine tests the heart when the arrogant quarrel.

Sirach 31:26 In-Context

24 The city will murmur about those who are stingy with bread, giving accurate witness to the wickedness of such people.

25 Don't demonstrate your bravado in wine drinking, because wine has destroyed many.

26 A furnace tests the hardening of steel when it's dipped, so wine tests the heart when the arrogant quarrel.

27 If taken in moderation, wine makes people's lives better. What's life to those who don't have wine? It was created from the beginning to bring merriment.

28 The right amount of wine consumed at the right time makes for a joyful heart and a light spirit.

Footnotes

• [a] Heb tests the work of the smith