Conduct at a Banquet

1 Have they put you in charge of a feast? Don’t become proud. Be among them as one of them. Take care of them first, and then sit down. 2 And when you have done all your duties, take your place, so that you may be glad because of them, and receive a wreath for your good service. 3 Speak, you who are older, for it’s your right, but with sound knowledge, and don’t interrupt the music. 4 Don’t pour out talk where there is a performance of music. Don’t display your wisdom at the wrong time. 5 A music concert at a wine banquet is like a ruby signet in a gold setting. 6 Musical melody with pleasant wine is like an emerald signet in gold work.

7 Speak, young man, if you are obliged to, but no more than twice, and only if asked. 8 Sum up your speech with many things in few words. Be like someone who knows and yet holds his tongue. 9 When among important men, don’t behave like their equal. When another is speaking, don’t babble. 10 Lightning speeds before thunder. Approval goes before one who is modest.

11 Get up in good time, and don’t be last. Go home quickly and don’t loiter.⁠a 12 Amuse yourself there and do what is in your heart. Don’t sin by proud speech. 13 For these things bless your Maker, who lets you drink freely of his good things.

Wisdom and Reverence

14 He who fears the Lord will receive discipline. Those who seek him early will find favor. 15 He who seeks the law will be filled with it, but the hypocrite will stumble at it. 16 Those who fear the Lord will find true judgment, and will ignite righteous acts like a light. 17 A sinful man avoids correction,⁠b and will find a judgment that suits his will.

Careful Thought before Action

18 A sensible person won’t neglect a thought. An insolent and proud man won’t crouch in fear, even after he has acted alone without advice. 19 Do nothing without advice, but when you have acted, don’t regret it. 20 Don’t take a path of conflict. Don’t stumble in stony places. 21 Don’t be overconfident on a smooth road. 22 Beware of your own children. 23 In every action guard your own soul, for this means obeying the commandments. 24 He who believes the law pays attention to the commandment. He who trusts in the Lord will suffer no loss.