[1] Have they made you rulerof 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 becometh 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] Before thunder speedeth lightning; 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 feareth the Lord will receivehis discipline; And they that seekhim early shall find favor.
[15] He that seeketh 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 shunneth 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 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 believeth the law gives heed to the commandment; And he that trusteth in the Lord shall suffer no loss.