1If you are appointed leader, do not exalt yourself; be among them as one of them. Take care of them, and then recline; prepare their meal, and then sit down.
2so that you may rejoice in their honor, and for your good conduct receive a reward.
3Speak, elder, for it is your place; be modest in wisdom, and do not hold back a song.
4Where there is a performance, do not pour out talk, and do not act wise at the wrong time.
5Like a carnelian seal on a gold ornament is a well-ordered song at a banquet of wine.
6Like a seal of emerald in a setting of fine gold is the sound of a song with sweet new wine.
7Speak, young man, if you must, but with reluctance; twice, or three times, if you are asked.
8Summarize your speech; say much in few words. Be like one who knows and yet is silent.
9Among elders, do not make yourself their equal, and with officials, do not be a great bother.
10Lightning flashes before the hail, and favor comes before a modest person.
11At the time of dismissal, do not linger; go home and do as you please.
12There, do as you please in the fear of God, and not with any lack.
13And for all these things, bless your Maker, who drenches you with his goodness.
14One who fears the Lord will accept instruction, and one who seeks him early will receive an answer.
15One who seeks the Torah will master it, but the scoffer will be tripped up by it.
16Those who fear Yahweh understand justice, and bring forth righteous judgments out of darkness.
17A sinner will shun reproof, and will find a pretext that suits his purpose.
18A wise man will not take a bribe; the arrogant and the scoffer will not keep the Torah.
19Do nothing without counsel, and after you have acted, have no regrets.
20Do not walk on a path full of snares, and do not stumble over the same obstacle twice.
21Do not trust in a road that is free of obstacles,
22and be on guard against your own children.
23In every deed, trust your own soul, for this too is the keeping of the commandments.
24He who observes the Torah guards his own soul, and he who trusts in Yahweh will not be put to shame.
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