Ben Sira 32:1-10

1 If you are chosen to preside at a banquet, don't put on airs. Just be like everyone else. Look after the guests before you sit down.
2 After you have performed your duties, you can sit down and enjoy yourself with the others. They will respect you for doing a good job.
3 If you are older than most of the guests, you may talk; that is your right. But you should know what you are talking about and not interrupt the music.
4 If entertainment is being provided, don't keep up a steady conversation; it's the wrong time to show off your wit.
5 Music at a banquet where wine is served is like a ruby set in gold.
6 Good music and good wine - an emerald set in gold.
7 If you are young, don't speak unless you have to, but never more than twice, and only if someone speaks to you first.
8 Come to the point and say it all in a few words. Show that you are well-informed, but stay quiet.
9 Don't treat important people as if you were their equal and don't make a nuisance of yourself by asking them a lot of questions.
10 The reputation of a modest person goes before him, as lightning before thunder.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. [Hebrew] make . . . questions; [Greek] keep talking when someone else is speaking.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.