32:1
If thou be made the master [of a feast,] lift not thyself up, but be among them as one of the rest; take diligent care for them, and so sit down.

32:2
And when thou hast done all thy office, take thy place, that thou mayest be merry with them, and receive a crown for thy well ordering of the feast.

32:3
Speak, thou that art the elder, for it becometh thee, but with sound judgment; and hinder not musick.

32:4
Pour not out words where there is a musician, and shew not forth wisdom out of time.

32:5
A concert of musick in a banquet of wine is as a signet of carbuncle set in gold.

32:6
As a signet of an emerald set in a work of gold, so is the melody of musick with pleasant wine.

32:7
Speak, young man, if there be need of thee: and yet scarcely when thou art twice asked.

32:8
Let thy speech be short, comprehending much in few words; be as one that knoweth and yet holdeth his tongue.

32:9
If thou be among great men, make not thyself equal with them; and when ancient men are in place, use not many words.

32:10
Before the thunder goeth lightning; and before a shamefaced man shall go favour.

Continued...

32:11
Rise up betimes, and be not the last; but get thee home without delay.

32:12
There take thy pastime, and do what thou wilt: but sin not by proud speech.

32:13
And for these things bless him that made thee, and hath replenished thee with his good things.

32:14
Whoso feareth the Lord will receive his discipline; and they that seek him early shall find favour.

32:15
He that seeketh the law shall be filled therewith: but the hypocrite will be offended thereat.

32:16
They that fear the Lord shall find judgment, and shall kindle justice as a light.

32:17
A sinful man will not be reproved, but findeth an excuse according to his will.

32:18
A man of counsel will be considerate; but a strange and proud man is not daunted with fear, even when of himself he hath done without counsel.

32:19
Do nothing without advice; and when thou hast once done, repent not.

32:20
Go not in a way wherein thou mayest fall, and stumble not among the stones.

32:21
Be not confident in a plain way.

32:22
And beware of thine own children.

32:23
In every good work trust thy own soul; for this is the keeping of the commandments.

32:24
He that believeth in the Lord taketh heed to the commandment; and he that trusteth in him shall fare never the worse.

Back to Top