Of the desire of riches, and of moderation in eating and drinking.
[1] Watching for riches consumeth the flesh, and the thought thereof driveth away sleep.
[2] The thinking beforehand turneth away the understanding, and a grievous sickness maketh the soul sober.
[3] The rich man hath laboured in gathering riches together, and when he resteth he shall be filled with his goods.
[4] The poor man hath laboured in his low way of life, and in the end he is still poor.
[5] He that loveth gold, shall not be justified: and he that followeth after corruption, shall be filled with it.
[6] Many have been brought to fall for gold, and the beauty thereof hath been their ruin.
[7] Gold is a stumblingblock to them that sacrifice to it: woe to them that eagerly follow after it, and every fool shall perish by it.
[8] Blessed is the rich man that is found without blemish: and that hath not gone after gold, nor put his trust in money nor in treasures.
[9] Who is he, and we will praise him? for he hath done wonderful things in his life.
[10] Who hath been tried thereby, and made perfect, he shall have glory everlasting. He that could have transgressed, and hath not transgressed: and could do evil things, and hath not done them:
[11] Therefore are his goods established in the Lord, and all the church of the saints shall declare his alms.
[12] Art thou set at a great table? be not the first to open thy mouth upon it.
[13] Say not: There are many things which are upon it.
[14] Remember that a wicked eye is evil.
[15] What is created more wicked than an eye? therefore shall it weep over all the face when it shall see.
[16] Stretch not out thy hand first, lest being disgraced with envy thou be put to confusion.
[17] Be not hasty in a feast.
[18] Judge of the disposition of thy neighbour by thyself.
[19] Use as a frugal man the things that are set before thee: lest if thou eatest much, thou be hated.
[20] Leave off first, for manners' sake: and exceed not, lest thou offend.
[21] And if thou sittest among many, reach not thy hand out first of all: and be not the first to ask for drink.
[22] How sufficient is a little wine for a man well taught, and in sleeping thou shalt not be uneasy with it, and thou shalt feel no pain.
[23] Watching, and choler, and gripes, are with an intemperate man:
[24] Sound and wholesome sleep with a moderate man: he shall sleep till morning, and his soul shall be delighted with him.
[25] And if thou hast been forced to eat much, arise, go out, and vomit: and it shall refresh thee, and thou shalt not bring sickness upon thy body.
[26] Hear me, my son, and despise me not: and in the end thou shalt find my words.
[27] In all thy works be quick, and no infirmity shall come to thee.
[28] The lips of many shall bless him that is liberal of his bread, and the testimony of his truth is faithful.
[29] Against him that is niggardly of his bread, the city will murmur, and the testimony of his niggardliness is true.
[30] Challenge not them that love wine: for wine hath destroyed very many.
[31] Fire trieth hard iron: so wine drunk to excess shall rebuke the hearts of the proud.
[32] Wine taken with sobriety is equal life to men: if thou drink it moderately, thou shalt be sober.
[33] What is his life, who is diminished with wine?
[34] What taketh away life? death.
[35] Wine was created from the beginning to make men joyful, and not to make them drunk.
[36] Wine drunken with moderation is the joy of the soul and the heart.
[37] Sober drinking is health to soul and body.
[38] Wine drunken with excess raiseth quarrels; and wrath, and many ruins.
[39] Wine drunken with excess is bitterness of the soul.
[40] The heat of drunkenness is the stumblingblock of the fool, lessening strength and causing wounds.
[41] Rebuke not thy neighbour in a banquet of wine: and despise him not in his mirth.
[42] Speak not to him words of reproach: and press him not in demanding again.
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