Ecclesiasticus 31:23-42 Douay-Rheims Challoner Revision 1752 (DRC1752)

23. Watching, and choler, and gripes, are with an intemperate man:

24. Sound and wholesome sleep with a moderate man: he shall sleep till morning, and his soul shall be delighted with him.

25. And if thou hast been forced to eat much, arise, go out, and vomit: and it shall refresh thee, and thou shalt not bring sickness upon thy body.

26. Hear me, my son, and despise me not: and in the end thou shalt find my words.

27. In all thy works be quick, and no infirmity shall come to thee.

28. The lips of many shall bless him that is liberal of his bread, and the testimony of his truth is faithful.

29. Against him that is niggardly of his bread, the city will murmur, and the testimony of his niggardliness is true.

30. Challenge not them that love wine: for wine hath destroyed very many.

31. Fire trieth hard iron: so wine drunk to excess shall rebuke the hearts of the proud.

32. Wine taken with sobriety is equal lire to men: if thou drink it moderately, thou shalt be sober.

33. What is his life, who is diminished with wine?

34. What taketh away life? death.

35. Wine was created from the beginning to make men joyful, and not to make them drunk.

36. Wine drunken with moderation is the joy of the soul and the heart.

37. Sober drinking is health to soul and body.

38. Wine drunken with excess raiseth quarrels; and wrath, and many ruins.

39. Wine drunken with excess is bitterness of the soul.

40. The heat of drunkenness is the stumblingblock of the fool, lessening strength and causing wounds.

41. Rebuke not thy neighbour in a banquet of wine: and despise him not in his mirth.

42. Speak not to him words of reproach: and press him not in demanding again.

Ecclesiasticus 31