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# Sirach, Chapter 32
## Chapter 32
1 If you are chosen to preside at a dinner, do not be puffed up, ^sirach-32-1
but with the guests be as one of them;
Take care of them first and then sit down;
2 see to their needs, and then take your place, ^sirach-32-2
To share in their joy
and receive a wreath for a job well done.
3 You who are older, it is your right to speak, ^sirach-32-3
but temper your knowledge and do not interrupt the singing.
4 Where there is entertainment, do not pour out discourse, ^sirach-32-4
and do not display your wisdom at the wrong time.
5 Like a seal of carnelian in a setting of gold: ^sirach-32-5
a concert of music at a banquet of wine.
6 A seal of emerald in a work of gold: ^sirach-32-6
the melody of music with delicious wine.
7 Speak, young man, only when necessary, ^sirach-32-7
when they have asked you more than once.
8 Be brief, say much in few words; ^sirach-32-8
be knowledgeable and yet quiet.
9 When among elders do not be forward, ^sirach-32-9
and with officials do not be too insistent.
10 The lightning that flashes before a hailstorm: ^sirach-32-10
the esteem that shines on modesty.
11 Leave in good time and do not be the last; ^sirach-32-11
go home quickly without delay.
12 There enjoy doing as you wish, ^sirach-32-12
but do not sin through words of pride.
13 Above all, bless your Maker, ^sirach-32-13
who showers his favors upon you.
### The Providence of God
14 Whoever seeks God must accept discipline; ^sirach-32-14
and whoever resorts to him obtains an answer.
15 Whoever seeks the law will master it, ^sirach-32-15
but the hypocrite will be ensnared by it.
16 Whoever fears the LORD will understand what is right, ^sirach-32-16
and out of obscurity he will draw forth a course of action.
17 The lawless turn aside warnings ^sirach-32-17
and distort the law to suit their purpose.
18 The sensible will not neglect direction; ^sirach-32-18
the proud and insolent are deterred by no fear.
19 Do nothing without deliberation; ^sirach-32-19
then once you have acted, have no regrets.
20 Do not go on a way set with snares, ^sirach-32-20
and do not stumble on the same thing twice.
21 Do not trust the road, because of bandits; ^sirach-32-21
22 be careful on your paths. ^sirach-32-22
23 Whatever you do, be on your guard, ^sirach-32-23
for whoever does so keeps the commandments.
24 Whoever keeps the law preserves himself; ^sirach-32-24
and whoever trusts in the LORD shall not be put to shame.
\* (32:14] – [33:4) God is shown to reveal himself through the discipline of his law, a clear and safe plan of life for the pious. Direction and deliberation are aids in following it ([32:14] – [16], [18] – [24]; [33:1], [3] – [4]). Sinners and hypocrites, hating the law or distorting it, fail in wisdom and are devoid of security ([32:15b], [17], [18b]; [33:2]).
a. (32:7] – [10) [Sir 7:14].
b. (32:14) [Sir 4:13].
c. (32:15) [Sir 2:16].
d. (32:16) [Ps 37:6].
e. (32:17) [[sirach-21|Sir 21]]:6; [Prv 12:1].
f. (32:19) [Sir 37:16]; [Tb 4:18].
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_New American Bible, revised edition_ (2010, 1991, 1986, 1970) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C.
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