23 People bless the one who is liberal with food, and their testimony to his generosity is trustworthy. 24 The city complains of the one who is stingy with food, and their testimony to his stinginess is accurate. 25 Do not try to prove your strength by wine-drinking, for wine has destroyed many. 26 As the furnace tests the work of the smith, so wine tests hearts when the insolent quarrel. 27 Wine is very life to human beings if taken in moderation. What is life to one who is without wine? It has been created to make people happy.

Be not mighty, he says, at wine; for wine has overcome many. The Scythians, the Celts, the Iberians, and the Thracians, all of them warlike races, are greatly addicted to intoxication, and think that it is an honourable, happy pursuit to engage in. But we, the people of peace, feasting for lawful enjoyment, not to wantonness, drink sober cups of friendship, that our friendships may be shown in a way truly appropriate to the name.