Sirach 31
Wealth and material possessions can consume one's thoughts and lead to ruin, while a life of moderation and self-control is blessed. A person who resists the temptation of wealth and gold will be justified and have eternal glory. At social gatherings, one should practice self-control, not overindulge in food or drink, and show respect for others. Drinking wine in moderation can bring cheerfulness, but excess leads to conflict, anger, and ruin.
Watching for wealth consumes the flesh, and thinking about it takes away sleepAnticipation in thought distracts the mind, and a grievous infirmity makes the soul soberThe rich man has labored in gathering wealth, and in his rest, he will be filled with his goodsThe poor man has labored in his lowly way, and in the end, he may still be in needWhoever loves gold will not be justified. And whoever pursues consumption will be consumed by itMany have been caused to fall because of gold, and it became their ruin by its beautyGold is a stumbling block to those who sacrifice for it. Woe to those who pursue it eagerly, for all the imprudent will perish by itBlessed is the rich man who is found to be without blemish. And blessed is he who has not gone after gold, nor placed his hope in money or treasuresWho is he? For we should praise him. For he has done wonderful things in his lifeHe has been tested by it, and has become perfect; he will have eternal glory. He was able to transgress, but he has not transgressed. He was able to do evil, but he has not done evilTherefore, his good things are established in the Lord, and the entire Church of the saints will proclaim his almsgivingAre you seated at a great table? You should not open your mouth over it firstYou should not speak in this way: "There are many things that are upon it.Remember that a wicked eye is evilWhat has been made more wicked than the eye? Therefore, when it sees, it will shed tears over the entire faceYou should not extend your hand first, for then, having been corrupted by envy, you would be ashamedYou should not press forward at a feastUnderstand which things are your neighbor’s and not your ownMake use of the things that are set before you, just as a frugal man would. Otherwise, if you eat much, you will be hatedCease eating first, for the sake of discipline. And do not eat to excess, lest you offendAnd if you sit in the midst of many, you should not extend your hand before they do, and you should not be the first to ask for a drinkHow sufficient is a little wine for a well-taught man! For in sleep, you will not labor because of it, and you will not feel painWorry, and disease, and torment are with an intemperate manA healthy sleep is with a temperate man. He will sleep until morning, and his soul will be delighted with himAnd if you have been coaxed into eating too much, rise up, go outside, and vomit. And it will refresh you, and you will not bring sickness upon your bodyListen to me, son, for you should not spurn me. And in the very end, you will discover my wordsIn all your works, be prompt, and then no infirmity will befall youThe lips of many will bless the splendid in bread. For the testimony of his truthfulness is faithfulThe city will murmur against the wicked in bread. For the testimony against his wickedness is trueDo not choose to provoke those who love wine. For wine has destroyed manyFire tests the hardness of iron; similarly, drinking wine to inebriation will rebuke the hearts of the arrogantDrinking wine in sobriety gives a contented life to men. If you drink it in moderation, you will be soberWhat is life to him who is diminished by wineWhat can cheat him of his life? DeathFrom the beginning, wine was created for cheerfulness, but not for inebriationWine taken in moderation lifts up the mind and the heartSober drinking is healthful to mind and bodyWine taken in excess stirs up conflict and anger, and brings many to ruinWine taken in excess is bitter to the soulThe effects of inebriation are a stumbling block to the imprudent, diminishing strength and causing woundsYou should not argue with your neighbor during a banquet of wine. And you should not spurn him in his cheerfulnessYou should not speak words of reproach to him. And you should not press him with repeated requests
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