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Etiquette at a Banquet

32If they make you master of the feast, do not exalt yourself;
   be among them as one of their number.
Take care of them first and then sit down;
²   when you have fulfilled all your duties, take your place,
so that you may be merry along with them
   and receive a garland for your excellent leadership.

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

⁷ Speak, you who are young, if you are obliged to,
   but no more than twice, and only if asked.
⁸ Be brief; say much in few words;
   be as one who knows and can still hold his tongue.
⁹ Among the great do not act as their equal;
   and when another is speaking, do not babble.

¹⁰ Lightning travels ahead of the thunder,
   and approval goes before one who is modest.
¹¹ Leave in good time and do not be the last;
   go home quickly and do not linger.
¹² Amuse yourself there to your heart’s content,
   but do not sin through proud speech.
¹³ But above all bless your Maker,
   who fills you with his good gifts.

The Providence of God

¹⁴ One who seeks God^* will accept his discipline,
   and those who rise early to seek him^* will find favour.
¹⁵ One who seeks the law will be filled with it,
   but the hypocrite will stumble at it.
¹⁶ Those who fear the Lord will form true judgements,
   and they will kindle righteous deeds like a light.
¹⁷ The sinner will shun reproof,
   and will find a decision according to his liking.

¹⁸ A sensible person will not overlook a thoughtful suggestion;
   an insolent^* and proud person will not be deterred by fear.^*
19 Do nothing without deliberation,
   but when you have acted, do not regret it.
²⁰ Do not go on a path full of hazards,
   and do not stumble at an obstacle twice.^*
21 Do not be overconfident on a smooth^* road,
²²   and give good heed to your paths.^*
23 Guard^* yourself in every act,
   for this is the keeping of the commandments.

²⁴ One who keeps the law preserves himself,^*
   and one who trusts the Lord will not suffer loss.