> [[sirach-30|← Previous]] | [[sirach-00|TOC]] | [[sirach-32|Next →]] --- # Sirach, Chapter 31 ## Chapter 31 ### The Proper Attitude Toward Riches 1 Wakefulness over wealth wastes away the flesh, ^sirach-31-1 and anxiety over it drives away sleep. 2 Wakeful anxiety banishes slumber; ^sirach-31-2 more than a serious illness it disturbs repose. 3 The rich labor to pile up wealth, ^sirach-31-3 and if they rest, it is to enjoy pleasure; 4 The poor labor for a meager living, ^sirach-31-4 and if they ever rest, they become needy. 5 The lover of gold will not be free from sin; ^sirach-31-5 whoever pursues money will be led astray by it. 6 Many have come to ruin for the sake of gold, ^sirach-31-6 yet destruction lay before their very eyes; 7 It is a stumbling block for fools; ^sirach-31-7 any simpleton will be ensnared by it. 8 Happy the rich person found without fault, ^sirach-31-8 who does not turn aside after wealth. 9 Who is he, that we may praise him? ^sirach-31-9 For he has done wonders among his people. 10 Who has been tested by gold and been found perfect? ^sirach-31-10 Let it be for him his glory; Who could have sinned but did not, and could have done evil but did not? 11 So his good fortune is secure, ^sirach-31-11 and the assembly will recount his praises. ### Table Etiquette 12 Are you seated at the table of the great? ^sirach-31-12 Bring to it no greedy gullet, Nor say, “How much food there is here!” 13 Remember that the greedy eye is evil. ^sirach-31-13 What has been created more greedy than the eye? Therefore, it weeps for any cause. 15 Recognize that your neighbor feels as you do, ^sirach-31-15 and keep in mind everything you dislike. 14 Toward what he looks at, do not put out a hand; ^sirach-31-14 nor reach for the same dish when he does. 16 Eat, like anyone else, what is set before you, ^sirach-31-16 but do not eat greedily, lest you be despised. 17 Be the first to stop, as befits good manners; ^sirach-31-17 and do not gorge yourself, lest you give offense. 18 If there are many with you at table, ^sirach-31-18 do not be the first to stretch out your hand. 19 Does not a little suffice for a well-bred person? ^sirach-31-19 When he lies down, he does not wheeze. 20 Moderate eating ensures sound slumber ^sirach-31-20 and a clear mind on rising the next day. The distress of sleeplessness and of nausea and colic are with the glutton! 21 Should you have eaten too much, ^sirach-31-21 get up to vomit and you will have relief. 22 Listen to me, my child, and do not scorn me; ^sirach-31-22 later you will find my advice good. In whatever you do, be moderate, and no sickness will befall you. 23 People bless one who is generous with food, ^sirach-31-23 and this testimony to his goodness is lasting. 24 The city complains about one who is stingy with food, ^sirach-31-24 and this testimony to his stinginess is lasting. 25 Let not wine be the proof of your strength, ^sirach-31-25 for wine has been the ruin of many. 26 As the furnace tests the work of the smith, ^sirach-31-26 so does wine the hearts of the insolent. 27 Wine is very life to anyone, ^sirach-31-27 if taken in moderation. Does anyone really live who lacks the wine which from the beginning was created for joy? 28 Joy of heart, good cheer, and delight ^sirach-31-28 is wine enough, drunk at the proper time. 29 Headache, bitterness, and disgrace ^sirach-31-29 is wine drunk amid anger and strife. 30 Wine in excess is a snare for the fool; ^sirach-31-30 it lessens strength and multiplies wounds. 31 Do not wrangle with your neighbor when wine is served, ^sirach-31-31 nor despise him while he is having a good time; Say no harsh words to him nor distress him by making demands. \* (31:1] – [11) Solicitude for acquiring wealth and anxiety over preserving it disturb repose and easily lead to sin and ruin (vv. [1] – [7]). Cf. ([[matthew-06|Mt 6]]:25] – [34]. The rich who have not sinned or been seduced by wealth are worthy of highest praise (vv. [8] – [11]). \* (31:12] – [32:13) Whoever observes etiquette at table avoids greed and selfishness ([31:12] – [13]), is considerate of a neighbor’s likes and dislikes and is generous toward him ([31:15], [14], [23], [24]), observes proper manners ([31:16] – [18]), is moderate in eating and drinking ([31:19] – [20], [25] – [30]). A good host is solicitous for the guests ([32:1] – [2]), provides conversation and diversion ([32:3] – [6]), is modest in speech ([32:7], [8], [10]), is respectful of elders ([32:9]), polite in comportment and grateful to God for his favors ([32:11] – [13]). \* (31:21) Get up to vomit: the practice of induced vomiting, well-known among Romans, and less well-known among the Jews, seems to be referred to here. a. (31:6) [Sir 8:2]. b. (31:8) [Sir 5:1], [8]. c. (31:11) [Prv 29:14]. d. (31:13) [Prv 23:1] – [2]. e. (31:17) [Sir 37:27] – [31]. f. (31:19) [Eccl 5:11]. g. (31:23) [Prv 22:9]. h. (31:27) [Ps 104:15]; [1 Tm 5:23]. --- _New American Bible, revised edition_ (2010, 1991, 1986, 1970) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. > [[sirach-30|← Previous]] | [[sirach-00|TOC]] | [[sirach-32|Next →]]