Old Testament · Deuterocanon

Sirach 32

Feasting, Speech, and Daily Prudence

7 passages

Overview

Ben Sira counsels the feast master to serve humbly, instructs guests — young and old alike — on the discipline of restrained and timely speech, then extends these social lessons into a broader portrait of prudent living: seeking counsel, guarding the soul in every ordinary work, and grounding all enjoyment and conduct in fear of the Lord.

Passages

1–2The Humble Host: Duties of a Feast Master 3–6The Elders, Music, and the Art of Timely Speech 7–10The Eloquence of Restraint: Speaking Little, Meaning Much 11–13Departing Well: Knowing When to Leave and Giving Thanks 14–17Fear of the Lord, the Law, and True Judgment 18–21The Wisdom of Counsel and Caution on Life's Road 22–24Vigilance, Soul-Keeping, and Trust in the Lord

Study Resources

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Sirach 32

¹Have they made you ruler of a feast? Don’t be lifted up. Be among them as one of them. Take care of them first, and then sit down. ²And when you have done all your duties, take your place, that you may be gladdened on their account, and receive a wreath for your good service. ³Speak, you who are older, for it’s your right, but with sound knowledge; and don’t interrupt the music. ⁴Don’t pour out talk where there is a performance of music. Don’t display your wisdom at the wrong time. ⁵As a ruby signet in a setting of gold, so is a music concert at a wine banquet. ⁶As an emerald signet in a work of gold, so is musical melody with pleasant wine. ⁷Speak, young man, if you are obliged to, but no more than twice, and only if asked. ⁸Sum up your speech, many things in few words. Be as one who knows and yet holds his tongue. ⁹When among great men, don’t behave as their equal. When another is speaking, don’t babble. ¹⁰Lightning speeds before thunder. Approval goes before one who is modest. ¹¹Rise up in good time, and don’t be last. Go home quickly and don’t loiter ¹²Amuse yourself there and do what is in your heart. Don’t sin by proud speech. ¹³For these things bless your Maker, who gives you to drink freely of his good things. ¹⁴He who fears the Lord will receive discipline. Those who seek him early will find favor. ¹⁵He who seeks the law shall be filled with it, but the hypocrite will stumble at it. ¹⁶Those who fear the Lord will find true judgment, and will kindle righteous acts like a light. ¹⁷A sinful man shuns reproof, and will find a judgment according to his will. ¹⁸A sensible person won’t neglect a thought. An insolent and proud man won’t crouch in fear, even after he has done a thing by himself without counsel. ¹⁹Do nothing without counsel, but when you have acted, don’t regret it. ²⁰Don’t go in a way of conflict. Don’t stumble in stony places. ²¹Don’t be overconfident on a smooth road. ²²Beware of your own children. ²³In every work guard your own soul, for this is the keeping of the commandments. ²⁴He who believes the law gives heed to the commandment. He who trusts in the Lord will suffer no loss.

Sirach 31 Sirach 33