The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach — Ecclesiasticus
capítulo 31
verso 1
Wakefulness that comes from riches consumes the flesh, and anxiety about it takes away sleep.
verso 2
Wakeful anxiety will crave slumber. In a severe disease, sleep will be broken.
verso 3
A rich man toils in gathering money together. When he rests, he is filled with his good things.
verso 4
A poor man toils in lack of substance. When he rests, he becomes needy.
verso 5
He who loves gold won’t be justified. He who follows destruction will himself have his fill of it.
verso 6
Many have been given over to ruin for the sake of gold. Their destruction meets them face to face.
verso 7
It is a stumbling block to those who sacrifice to it. Every fool will be taken by it.
verso 8
Blessed is the rich person who is found blameless, and who doesn’t go after gold.
verso 9
Who is he, that we may call him blessed? For he has done wonderful things among his people.
verso 10
Who has been tried by it, and found perfect? Then let him boast. Who has had the power to transgress, and has not transgressed? And to do evil, and has not done it?
verso 11
His prosperity will be made sure. The congregation will proclaim his alms.
verso 12
Do you sit at a great table? Don’t be greedy there. Don’t say, “There is a lot of food on it!”
verso 13
Remember that a greedy eye is a wicked thing. What has been created more greedy than an eye? Therefore it sheds tears from every face.
verso 14
Don’t stretch your hand wherever it looks. Don’t thrust yourself with it into the dish.
verso 15
Consider your neighbor’s feelings by your own. Be discreet in every point.
verso 16
Eat like a human being those things which are set before you. Don’t eat greedily, lest you be hated.
verso 17
Be first to stop for manners’ sake. Don’t be insatiable, lest you offend.
verso 18
And if you sit among many, Don’t reach out your hand before them.
verso 19
How sufficient to a well-mannered man is a very little. He doesn’t breathe heavily in his bed.
verso 20
Healthy sleep comes from moderate eating. He rises early, and his wits are with him. The pain of wakefulness, colic, and griping are with an insatiable man.
verso 21
And if you have been forced to eat, rise up in the middle of it, and you shall have rest.
verso 22
Hear me, my son, and don’t despise me, and in the end you will appreciate my words. In all your works be skillful, and no disease will come to you.
verso 23
People bless him who is liberal with his food. The testimony of his excellence will be believed.
verso 24
The city will murmer at him who is a stingy with his food. The testimony of his stinginess will be accurate.
verso 25
Don’t show yourself valiant in wine, for wine has destroyed many.
verso 26
The furnace tests the temper of steel by dipping; so does wine test hearts in the quarreling of the proud.
verso 27
Wine is as good as life to men, if you drink it in moderation. What life is there to a man who is without wine? It has been created to make men glad.
verso 28
Wine drunk in season and in moderation is joy of heart and gladness of soul:
verso 29
Wine drunk excessively is bitterness of soul, with provocation and conflict.
verso 30
Drunkenness increases the rage of a fool to his hurt. It diminishes strength and adds wounds.
verso 31
Don’t rebuke your neighbor at a banquet of wine. Don’t despise him in his mirth. Don’t speak a word of reproach to him. Don’t distress him by making demands of him.
Libros
