1 Have they made you ruler of a feast?

Be not lifted up,

Be you among them as one of them;

Take thought for them, and so sit down.

2 And when you have done all your office, take your place,

That you may be gladdened on their account,

And receive a crown for your well ordering.

3 Speak, you that are the elder, for it becomes you, but with sound knowledge;

And hinder not music.

4 Pour not out talk where there is a performance of music,

And display not your wisdom out of season.

5  As a signet of carbuncle in a setting of gold,

So is a concert of music in a banquet of wine.

6  As a signet of emerald in a work of gold,

So is a strain of music with pleasant wine.

7 Speak, young man, if there be need of you;

Yet scarcely if you be twice asked.

8 Sum up your speech, many things in few words;

Be as one that knows and yet holds his tongue.

9  If you be among great men, behave not as their equal;

And when another is speaking, make not much babbling.

10 Lightning speeds before thunder;

And before a shamefast man favor shall go forth.

11 Rise up betimes, and be not the last;

Get you home quickly and loiter not:

12 There take your pastime, and do what is in your heart;

And sin not by proud speech:

13 And for these things bless him that made you,

And gives you to drink freely of his good things.

14 He that fears the Lord will receive his discipline;

And those who seek him early shall find favor.

15 He that seeks the law shall be filled therewith:

But the hypocrite shall stumble thereat.

16 They that fear the Lord shall find judgement,

And shall kindle righteous acts as a light.

17 A sinful man shuns reproof,

And will find a judgement according to his will.

18 A man of counsel will not neglect a thought;

A strange and proud man will not crouch in fear,

Even after he has done a thing by himself without counsel.

19 Do nothing without counsel;

And when you have once done, repent not.

20 Go not in a way of conflict;

And stumble not in stony places.

21 Be not confident in a* Gr. without stumbling blocks. smooth way.

22 And beware of your own children.

23 In every work trust your own soul;

For this is the keeping of the commandments.

24 He that believes the law gives heed to the commandment;

And he that trusts in the Lord shall suffer no loss.