1 Watching for wealth consumes the flesh, and thinking about it takes away sleep 2 Anticipation in thought distracts the mind, and a grievous infirmity makes the soul sober 3 The rich man has labored in gathering wealth, and in his rest, he will be filled with his goods 4 The poor man has labored in his lowly way, and in the end, he may still be in need 5 Whoever loves gold will not be justified. And whoever pursues consumption will be consumed by it 6 Many have been caused to fall because of gold, and it became their ruin by its beauty 7 Gold is a stumbling block to those who sacrifice for it. Woe to those who pursue it eagerly, for all the imprudent will perish by it 8 Blessed 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 treasures 9 Who is he? For we should praise him. For he has done wonderful things in his life 10 He 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 evil 11 Therefore, his good things are established in the Lord, and the entire Church of the saints will proclaim his almsgiving 12 Are you seated at a great table? You should not open your mouth over it first 13 You should not speak in this way: "There are many things that are upon it. 14 Remember that a wicked eye is evil 15 What has been made more wicked than the eye? Therefore, when it sees, it will shed tears over the entire face 16 You should not extend your hand first, for then, having been corrupted by envy, you would be ashamed 17 You should not press forward at a feast 18 Understand which things are your neighbor’s and not your own 19 Make use of the things that are set before you, just as a frugal man would. Otherwise, if you eat much, you will be hated 20 Cease eating first, for the sake of discipline. And do not eat to excess, lest you offend 21 And 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 drink 22 How 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 pain 23 Worry, and disease, and torment are with an intemperate man 24 A healthy sleep is with a temperate man. He will sleep until morning, and his soul will be delighted with him 25 And 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 body 26 Listen to me, son, for you should not spurn me. And in the very end, you will discover my words 27 In all your works, be prompt, and then no infirmity will befall you 28 The lips of many will bless the splendid in bread. For the testimony of his truthfulness is faithful 29 The city will murmur against the wicked in bread. For the testimony against his wickedness is true 30 Do not choose to provoke those who love wine. For wine has destroyed many 31 Fire tests the hardness of iron; similarly, drinking wine to inebriation will rebuke the hearts of the arrogant 32 Drinking wine in sobriety gives a contented life to men. If you drink it in moderation, you will be sober 33 What is life to him who is diminished by wine 34 What can cheat him of his life? Death 35 From the beginning, wine was created for cheerfulness, but not for inebriation 36 Wine taken in moderation lifts up the mind and the heart 37 Sober drinking is healthful to mind and body 38 Wine taken in excess stirs up conflict and anger, and brings many to ruin 39 Wine taken in excess is bitter to the soul 40 The effects of inebriation are a stumbling block to the imprudent, diminishing strength and causing wounds 41 You should not argue with your neighbor during a banquet of wine. And you should not spurn him in his cheerfulness 42 You should not speak words of reproach to him. And you should not press him with repeated requests
