1
Wakefulness that comes from riches consumes the flesh,
2
Wakeful anxiety will crave slumber.
3
A rich man toils in gathering money together.
4
A poor man toils in lack of substance.
5
He who loves gold won’t be justified.
6
Many have been given over to ruin for the sake of gold.
7
It is a stumbling block to those who sacrifice to it.
8
Blessed is the rich person who is found blameless,
9
Who is he, that we may call him blessed?
10
Who has been tried by it, and found perfect?
11
His prosperity will be made sure.
12
Do you sit at a great table? Don’t be greedy there.
13
Remember that a greedy eye is a wicked thing.
14
Don’t stretch your hand wherever it looks.
15
Consider your neighbor’s feelings by your own.
16
Eat like a human being those things which are set before you.
17
Be first to stop for manners’ sake.
18
And if you sit among many,
19
How sufficient to a well-mannered man is a very little.
20
Healthy sleep comes from moderate eating.
21
And if you have been forced to eat,
22
Hear me, my son, and don’t despise me,
23
People bless him who is liberal with his food.
24
The city will murmur at him who is a stingy with his food.
25
Don’t show yourself valiant in wine,
26
The furnace tests the temper of steel by dipping;
27
Wine is as good as life to men,
28
Wine drunk in season and in moderation
29
Wine drunk excessively is bitterness of soul,
30
Drunkenness increases the rage of a fool to his hurt.
31
Don’t rebuke your neighbor at a banquet of wine.