Sirach 31:19-30
Revised Standard Version
19 How ample a little is for a well-disciplined man!
He does not breathe heavily upon his bed.
20 Healthy sleep depends on moderate eating;
he rises early, and feels fit.[a]
The distress of sleeplessness and of nausea
and colic are with the glutton.
21 If you are overstuffed with food,
get up in the middle of the meal, and you will have relief.
22 Listen to me, my son, and do not disregard me,
and in the end you will appreciate my words.
In all your work be industrious,
and no sickness will overtake you.
23 Men will praise the one who is liberal with food,
and their testimony to his excellence is trustworthy.
24 The city will complain of the one who is niggardly with food,
and their testimony to his niggardliness is accurate.
Temperance in Drinking Wine
25 Do not aim to be valiant over wine,
for wine has destroyed many.
26 Fire and water prove[b] the temper of steel,
so wine tests hearts in the strife of the proud.
27 Wine is like life to men,
if you drink it in moderation.
What is life to a man who is without wine?
It has been created to make men glad.
28 Wine drunk in season and temperately
is rejoicing of heart and gladness of soul.
29 Wine drunk to excess is bitterness of soul,
with provocation and stumbling.
30 Drunkenness increases the anger of a fool to his injury,
reducing his strength and adding wounds.
Footnotes
- Sirach 31:20 Gk his soul is with him
- Sirach 31:26 Gk The furnace by dipping proves
Sirach 37:27-31
Revised Standard Version
Concerning Moderation
27 My son, test your soul while you live;
see what is bad for it and do not give it that.
28 For not everything is good for every one,
and not every person enjoys everything.
29 Do not have an insatiable appetite for any luxury,
and do not give yourself up to food;
30 for overeating brings sickness,
and gluttony leads to nausea.
31 Many have died of gluttony,
but he who is careful to avoid it prolongs his life.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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