Sirach 32
A leader should be humble and concerned for others, speaking with careful knowledge and not seeking to be extolled. One should listen silently and speak reluctantly, especially in the presence of elders or great men. Modesty and reverence are key virtues, and one should act according to their intentions without sin or arrogance. Those who fear the Lord will accept his doctrine and find a blessing, while the sinful will shun correction and rationalize their own will.
Have they appointed you as a leader? Do not be willing to be extolled. Be among them as one of themHave concern for them, and in this way sit down with them, and when you have explained all your concerns, sit backThen you may rejoice because of them, and you may receive a crown as an adornment of grace, and so obtain the dignity of the assemblySpeak, you who are greater by birth. For it is fitting for yoto speak the first word with careful knowledge. But you should not hinder the musicWhere no one is listening, you should not pour out words. And do not choose to be extolled improperly for your wisdomA gemstone of garnet is set amid an ornament of gold, and a concert of music is set amid a banquet of wineJust as a signet of emerald is set amid a work of gold, so is a melody of music set amid delightful and moderate wineListen silently, and for your reverence, good graces will be added to youYoung man, speak in your own case only reluctantlyIf you have been asked twice, let your response be conciseIn many matters, be as if you lack knowledge, and listen silently as well as intentlyIn the midst of great men, you should not be presumptuous. And where the elders are present, you should not speak muchLightning goes before a hailstorm, and grace goes before modesty. And so, for your reverence, good graces will be added to youAnd at the hour for rising, you should not be lax. Later, be the first to run ahead to your house, and there withdraw, and there take your pastimeAnd act according to your intentions, but not in sin and not in arrogant speechAnd for all these things, bless the Lord, who made you, and who fills you to overflowing with all his good thingsWhoever fears the Lord will accept his doctrine. And whoever watches for him diligently will find a blessingWhoever seeks the law will be filled from the law. But whoever acts with treachery will be scandalized by treacheryThose who fear the Lord will find just judgment, and they will kindle justice like a lightA sinful man will shun correction, and he will find a rationalization in accord with his own willA man of counsel will not reject understanding. A strange and arrogant man will not be disturbed by fearEven so, after he has acted out of fear and without counsel, he will be rebuked by his own criticismSon, you should do nothing without counsel, and then you will not regret what you have doneYou should not go into the way of ruin, and you then will not stumble on stones. You should not commit yourself to a laborious way; otherwise, you may set up a scandal against your own soulAnd be cautious concerning your own sons. And be attentive to those of your own householdIn all of your works, trust your soul to faith. For this is the keeping of the commandmentsWhoever believes God attends to the commandments. And whoever trusts in him will not be diminished
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