Sirach
Chapter 31
Wealth and Honesty
The insomnia caused by wealth leads a man to lose weight; his worries drive sleep away.
The worries of the day prevent sleep; similarly, serious illness makes rest impossible.
The wealthy man works hard to increase his wealth and then basks in luxury;
the poor man works hard to survive and quickly falls into want once he stops.
He who loves gold cannot be righteous; those who chase after gain will be led astray.
Many have been ruined because of gold; disgrace met them.
Gold is a trap for those who are obsessed with it. The foolish will get caught in it.
Happy is the wealthy man who has not sinned in this way and has not chased after gold!
Who is he? Let us call him a fortunate man! For he has set an outstanding example.
Who has faced this test and been found perfect? He has reason to be proud. Who could have sinned but resisted, who could have done wrong but did not?
his fortune is securely built, and the community will recognize his generosity.
Guest
Are you seated at a lavish banquet? Don’t be too eager to eat, and don’t say: “What a feast!”
Remember that an envious eye is a wicked thing. What is worse than such an eye? That is why it was condemned to cry.
Do not reach out for everything you see or be quick to grab a dish.
Assess the needs of your fellow guests based on your own, and act carefully in all matters.
Eat what is placed before you with manners, and do not be a glutton, or you will be disliked.
Like a well-mannered man, be the first to stop; do not be greedy if you want to avoid difficulties.
If important people are present, do not be the first to serve yourself.
A little is enough for a well-mannered person; your breathing will also be easier when you go to bed.
Healthy sleeping is for moderate eaters. They rise early and feel energetic! Sleeplessness and stomach problems often follow overindulgence.
If you are forced to overeat, go and vomit, and you will feel better.
Listen to me, my friend, and do not ignore what I say; in the end, you will see that it is true. Be moderate in everything you do, and you will stay healthy.
A generous host is appreciated; he is rightly praised.
But everyone will complain about a stingy host, and their complaints will be justified.
Wine
Do not try to show how much wine you can handle, for wine has caused the ruin of many.
As the furnace tests the strength of steel, wine reveals the true character of hearts and can lead proud men to quarrel.
Wine is life for a man if enjoyed in moderation. What is life without wine?
Wine makes for a happy heart and a cheerful mind when consumed moderately and at the right moment.
However, if taken in excess, it can lead to bitterness, excitement, and unsteady steps.
Drunkenness fuels the anger of a foolish person, leading to scandal. It weakens him and may cause him to blow.
Do not reproach a neighbor during a wine feast, nor look down on him when he is happy; do not speak harshly or bother him about settling a debt.
Commentaries
Wealth and Honesty.
According to this chapter, there is something that unites the rich and the poor: the lack of sleep; in the rich, because of their desire to grow their wealth, and in the poor, because they worry about their livelihood. Is this God’s will? Of course not. Wealth can be as dehumanizing as it traps people and makes them crave possessions, just as poverty dehumanizes by reducing people to surviving. God does not want either of these extremes, and neither is part of His plan. Human greed has disrupted the harmony and plan that God desires, leading to these two extremes visible in our world today.
Guest – Wine – Banquets.
Another way to show a person’s character is by maintaining a respectful, civilized attitude at the table. 31:12-24 discusses manners related to food; the guiding principle is always to consider what might upset your neighbor. Verses 25-31 emphasize moderation in drinking; this can have very positive and healthy effects, but overdoing it can lead to extremes that may cause rejection. Finally, 32:1-13 offers guidance for those hosting a banquet (32:1-2) or speaking at one, whether they are elders (3-6) or young people (7-10); both should be talented and wise in their speeches. The section concludes with instructions for exiting the banquet and the importance of giving thanks to the Creator (11-13).