1 Did they appoint you as leader of the banquet? Do not exalt yourself. Among them be as one of them. Take care of them and only then be seated.
2 Then having fulfilled all your duties, take your place, That you may make merry for their sake, And receive a crown because of your orderly behavior.
3 Speak, O elder, for this is fitting for you to do so with accurate knowledge; But do not interrupt the music.
4 Where there is entertainment, do not pour out talk, And do not display your cleverness at the wrong time.
5 A concert of music at a banquet of wine Is like a seal of ruby in a gold ornament.
6 A seal of emerald in a gold setting Is the melody of music with delicious wine.
7 Speak, young man, if there is need of you, But no more than twice, and only if you are asked repeatedly .
8 Be brief; say much in a few words. Act like a man who knows, yet holds his tongue.
9 Among the great do not act as their equal, And when another is speaking, do little talking.
10 Lightning flashes before thunder, And favor goes before a modest man.
11 Rise to leave in good time, and do not lag behind. Run home and do not be remiss.
12 Am use yourself there, and do what you intend, But do not sin by speaking arrogantly;
13 And for these things, bless Him who created you And satisfies you with His good things.
14 The man who fears the Lord will receive instruction, And those who rise early will find His approval.
15 He who seeks the Law will be filled with it, But the hypocrite will be made to stumble by it.
16 Those who fear the Lord will discover judgment, And like the light they will kindle righteous deeds.
17 A sinful man will turn aside correction And find a rationalization according to his will.
18 A man of counsel will not neglect thought, But a strange and arrogant man does not tremble in fear.
19 Do nothing without counsel, And w hen you have acted, do not regret it.
20 Do not walk a path filled with obstacles, And do not trip over stony ground.
21 Do not put your trust in an unexplored way,
22 And keep watch because of your children.
23 In every work entrust your soul to the Lord, For this is the keeping of the commandments.
24 He who believes in the Law heeds the commandments, And he who trusts in the Lord will not suffer loss.