1If you are chosen to preside at a banquet, don't put on airs. Just be like everyone else. Look after the guests before you sit down. 2After you have performed your duties, you can sit down and enjoy yourself with the others. They will respect you for doing a good job.

3If you are older than most of the guests, you may talk; that is your right. But you should know what you are talking about and not interrupt the music. 4If entertainment is being provided, don't keep up a steady conversation; it's the wrong time to show off your wit. 5Music at a banquet where wine is served is like a ruby set in gold. 6Good music and good wine — an emerald set in gold.

7If you are young, don't speak unless you have to, but never more than twice, and only if someone speaks to you first. 8Come to the point and say it all in a few words. Show that you are well-informed, but stay quiet. 9Don't treat important people as if you were their equal and don't make a nuisance of yourself by asking them a lot of questions.32.9 Hebrew make… questions; Greek keep talking when someone else is speaking. 10The reputation of a modest person goes before him, as lightning before thunder.

11Leave the party at the right time and never be the last to go. Don't linger at the door; just go straight home. 12There you can enjoy yourself as you wish, but don't commit the sin of bragging. 13And don't forget to thank your Creator for letting you enjoy so many good things.

Interpreting the Law

14If you fear the Lord, you will accept his correction. He will bless those who get up early in the morning to pray. 15Study his law, and you will master it, unless you are insincere about it, in which case you will fail. 16If you fear the Lord, you will know what is right, and you will be famous for your fairness. 17Sinners have no use for correction, and will interpret the Law to suit themselves.

18Sensible people will consider every opinion, but arrogant32.18 Hebrew arrogant; Greek foreign and arrogant. people will let nothing stand in their way. 19Never do anything without thinking it through, and once you have done something, don't look back and wish you had done something else. 20Don't take a course of action that is dangerous, and don't make the same mistake twice.32.20 Hebrew make… twice; Greek stumble on stones. 21Don't be too sure of yourself, even when the way looks easy. 22Always watch where you are going.32.22 Hebrew watch… going; Greek look out for your children. 23Whatever you do be careful;32.23 Hebrew be careful; Greek have confidence in yourself. this is keeping the Lord's commands.

24Believing in the Law means keeping the Lord's commands. If you trust the Lord, you cannot lose.