Ben Sira 32:1-8

1 If thou be made the master of a feast, lift not thyself up, but be among them as one of the rest; take diligent care for them, and so sit down.
2 And when thou hast done all thy office, take thy place, that thou mayest be merry with them, and receive a crown for thy well-ordering of the feast.
3 Speak, thou that art the elder, for it becometh thee, but with sound judgment; and hinder not music.
4 Pour not out words where there is a musician, and show not forth wisdom out of time.
5 A concert of music in a banquet of wine is as a signet of ruby set in gold.
6 As a signet of an emerald set in a work of gold, so is the melody of music with pleasant wine.
7 Speak, young man, if there be need of thee, and yet scarcely when thou art twice asked.
8 Let thy speech be short, comprehending much in few words; be as one that knoweth and yet holdeth his tongue.
Third Millennium Bible (TMB), New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc., Gary, SD 57237. All rights reserved.