Catholic Public Domain Version

Sirach 31:12-20 Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV)

12. Are you seated at a great table? You should not open your mouth over it first.

13. You should not speak in this way: "There are many things that are upon it."

14. Remember that a wicked eye is evil.

15. What has been made more wicked than the eye? Therefore, when it sees, it will shed tears over the entire face.

16. You should not extend your hand first, for then, having been corrupted by envy, you would be ashamed.

17. You should not press forward at a feast.

18. Understand which things are your neighbor's and not your own.

19. Make use of the things that are set before you, just as a frugal man would. Otherwise, if you eat much, you will be hated.

20. Cease eating first, for the sake of discipline. And do not eat to excess, lest you offend.