Sirach 31

1Sleeplessness due to wealth melts the flesh, and the care for it keeps sleep away. 2The worry of sleeplessness drives away slumber, and severe illness ends sleep. 3A rich man exhausts himself in the accumulation of wealth; even in rest, he is filled with his desires. 4A poor man exhausts himself in the lack of sustenance, and in rest, he becomes needy. 5He who loves gold will not be justified, and he who chases after money will be led astray by it. 6Many have been brought to ruin because of gold, and their destruction has happened before their own eyes. 7It is a stumbling block to those possessed by it, and every fool is ensnared by it. 8Blessed is the rich man who is found blameless and does not run after gold. 9Who is he, and we shall call him blessed? For he has done marvelous things among his people. 10Who has been tested in this and proven perfect? And it will be to his glory. Who could have strayed but did not stray, and who could have done evil but did not do it? 11Therefore his goods will be secured, and the congregation will speak of his alms. 12When you sit at a great table, do not open your mouth wide over it, [13] and do not say, “How abundant are the things upon it.” 13Remember that an evil eye is a wicked thing. [15] Is there anything more wicked than an eye among what has been created? Therefore, it weeps for every occasion. 14Do not stretch out your hand wherever you look, [17] and do not jostle with him in a dish. 15Understand the matters of your neighbor as if they were your own, and consider every situation. 16Eat what is set before you like a human being, and do not gulp down so that you are not despised. 17Stop first for the sake of discipline, and do not be insatiable, so that you do not cause offense. 18And if you are seated among many, do not reach out your hand before them. 19A little is sufficient for a well-mannered person, and on his bed, he does not breathe heavily. 20Healthy sleep comes with moderate eating; he rises early, and he is at ease with himself. [23] The torment of sleeplessness, nausea, and writhing are with an insatiable man. 21If you are overwhelmed with food, get up and vomit it far away, and you will find relief. 22Listen to me, my child, and do not disregard me! In the end, you will find my words confirmed. [27] In all your work, be skillful, and no illness will come upon you. 23The lips will praise one who behaves well with bread, and the testimony of his propriety is trustworthy. 24Against a wicked man at bread, the city will murmur, and the testimony of his wickedness is precise. 25Do not act as the strong man with wine; for many have been ruined by wine. 26The furnace tests the temper of steel by dipping, so does wine the hearts in the quarrel of the proud. 27Wine is like life to men when drunk in moderation. [33] What is life when wine is diminished? [35] For it was created to bring joy from the beginning. 28The joy of the heart and gladness of the soul is wine drunk at the right time, in moderation. 29The bitterness of the soul is wine drunk excessively with excitement and offense. 30Drunkenness increases the wrath of a fool to his downfall; it diminishes strength and causes wounds. 31Do not embarrass your neighbor at a wine feast, and do not scorn him in his joy; [42] do not speak a reproachful word to him, and do not distress him by demanding repayment.