New English [1970], THE NEW ENGLISH BIBLE (OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS; CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS, CAMBRIDGE) [word count] [B16000].
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1 If they choose you to preside at a feast, do not put on airs;
behave to them as one of themselves.
Look after the others before you sit down;
2 do not take your place until you have discharged all your duties.
Let their enjoyment be your pleasure,
and you will win the prize for good manners.
3 Speak, if you are old—it is your privilege—
but come to the point and do not interrupt the music.
4 Where entertainment is provided, do not keep up a stream of talk;
it is the wrong time to show off your wisdom.
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Counsels upon social behaviour
5 Like a signet of ruby in a gold ring
is a concert of music at a banquet.
6 Like a signet of emerald in a gold setting
is tuneful music with good wine.
7 Speak, if you are young, when the need arises,
but twice at the most, and only when asked.
8 Be brief, say much in few words,
like a man who knows and can still hold his tongue.
9 Among the great do not act as their equal
or go on chattering when another is speaking.
10 As lightning travels ahead of thunder,
so popularity goes before a modest man.
11 Leave in good time and do not be the last to go;
go straight home without lingering.
12 There you may amuse yourself to your heart's content,
and run no risk of arrogant talk.
13 And one thing more: give praise to your Maker,
who has filled your cup with his blessings.
14 The man who fears the Lord will accept his discipline,
and the diligent will receive his approval.
15 The genuine student will find satisfaction in the law,
but it will prove a stumbling-block to the insincere.
16 Those who fear the Lord will discover what is right,
and will make his decrees note shine out like a lamp.
17 A sinner will not accept criticism;
he will find precedents to justify his choice.
18 A sensible man can always take a hint;
but an arrogant heathen does not know the meaning of diffidence.
19 Never do anything without deliberation,
and afterwards you will have no regrets. note
20 Do not travel by a road full of obstacles
and stumble along through its boulders.
21 Do not be careless on a clear road
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Counsels upon social behaviour
22 but watch where you are going. note
23 Whatever you are doing, rely on yourself,
for this too is a way of keeping the commandments.
24 To rely on the law is to heed its commandments,
and to trust the Lord is to want for nothing.
New English [1970], THE NEW ENGLISH BIBLE (OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS; CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS, CAMBRIDGE) [word count] [B16000].
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