³Speak, you who are older, for it is fitting that you should,
but with accurate knowledge, and do not interrupt the music.
⁴Where there is entertainment, do not pour out talk;
do not display your cleverness out of season.
⁵A ruby seal in a setting of gold
is a concert of music at a banquet of wine.
⁶A seal of emerald in a rich setting of gold
is the melody of music with good wine.

⁷Speak, young man, if there is need of you,
but no more than twice, and only if asked.
⁸Speak concisely, say much in few words;
be as one who knows and yet holds his tongue.
⁹Among the great do not act as their equal;
and when another is speaking, do not babble.

¹⁰Lightning speeds before the thunder,
and approval precedes a modest man.
¹¹Leave in good time and do not be the last;
go home quickly and do not linger.
¹²Amuse yourself there, and do what you have in mind,
but do not sin through proud speech.
¹³And for these things bless him who made you
and satisfies you with his good gifts.

Interpreting the Law.  Sir.32.14-33.6

¹⁴He who fears the Lord will accept his discipline,
and those who rise early to seek him will find favour.
¹⁵He who seeks the law will be filled with it,
but the hypocrite will stumble at it.
¹⁶Those who fear the Lord will form true judgments,
and like a light they will kindle righteous deeds.
¹⁷A sinful man will shun reproof,
and will find a decision according to his liking.

¹⁸A man of judgment will not overlook an idea,
and an insolent and proud man will not cower in fear.
¹⁹Do nothing without deliberation;
and when you have acted, do not regret it.
²⁰Do not go on a path full of hazards,
and do not stumble over stony ground.
²¹Do not be overconfident on a smooth way,
²²and give good heed to your paths.
²³Guard yourself in every act,
for this is the keeping of the commandments.

²⁴He who believes the law gives heed to the commandments,
and he who trusts the Lord will not suffer loss.