31:1 Keeping watch over riches wastes the flesh, and the care of wealth drives away rest.
31:2 Concern for one’s livelihood banishes slumber; more than a serious illness it disturbs repose.
31:3 The rich man labors to pile up wealth, and his only rest is wanton pleasure;
31:4 The poor man toils for a meager subsistence, and if ever he rests, he finds himself in want.
31:5 The lover of gold will not be free from sin, for he who pursues wealth is led astray by it.
31:6 Many have been ensnared by gold, though destruction lay before their eyes;
31:7 It is a stumbling block to those who are avid for it, a snare for every fool.
31:8 Happy the rich man found without fault, who turns not aside after gain!
31:9 Who is he, that we may praise him? he, of all his kindred, has done wonders,
31:10 For he has been tested by gold and come off safe, and this remains his glory; He could have sinned but did not, could have done evil but would not,
31:11 So that his possessions are secure, and the assembly recounts his praises.
31:12 If you are dining with a great man, bring not a greedy gullet to his table, Nor cry out, "How much food there is here!"
31:13 Remember that gluttony is evil. No creature is greedier than the eye: therefore it weeps for any cause.
31:15 Recognize that your neighbor feels as you do, and keep in mind your own dislikes:
31:14 Toward what he eyes, do not put out a hand; nor reach when he does for the same dish.
31:16 Behave at table like a favored guest, and be not greedy, lest you be despised.
31:17 Be the first to stop, as befits good manners; gorge not yourself, lest you give offense.
31:18 If there are many with you at table, be not the first to reach out your hand.
31:19 Does not a little suffice for a well-bred man? When he lies down, it is without discomfort.
31:20 Distress and anguish and loss of sleep, and restless tossing for the glutton! Moderate eating ensures sound slumber and a clear mind next day on rising.
31:21 If perforce you have eaten too much, once you have emptied your stomach, you will have relief.
31:22 Listen to me, my son, and scorn me not; later you will find my advice good. In whatever you do, be moderate, and no sickness will befall you.
31:23 On a man generous with food, blessings are invoked, and this testimony to his goodness is lasting;
31:24 He who is miserly with food is denounced in public, and this testimony to his stinginess is lasting.
31:25 Let not wine-drinking be the proof of your strength, for wine has been the ruin of many.
31:26 As the furnace probes the work of the smith, so does wine the hearts of the insolent.
31:27 Wine is very life to man if taken in moderation. Does he really live who lacks the wine which was created for his joy?
31:28 Joy of heart, good cheer and merriment are wine drunk freely at the proper time.
31:29 Headache, bitterness and disgrace is wine drunk amid anger and strife.
31:30 More and more wine is a snare for the fool; it lessens his strength and multiplies his wounds.
31:31 Rebuke not your neighbor when wine is served, nor put him to shame while he is merry; Use no harsh words with him and distress him not in the presence of others.