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31:1  Wakefulness over wealth wastes away the flesh, and anxiety over it drives away sleep.
31:2  Wakeful anxiety banishes slumber; more than a serious illness it disturbs repose.
31:3  The rich labor to pile up wealth, and if they rest, it is to enjoy pleasure;
31:4  The poor labor for a meager living, and if they ever rest, they become needy.
31:5  The lover of gold will not be free from sin; whoever pursues money will be led astray by it.
31:6  Many have come to ruin for the sake of gold, yet destruction lay before their very eyes;
31:7  It is a stumbling block for fools; any simpleton will be ensnared by it.
31:8  Happy the rich person found without fault, who does not turn aside after wealth.
31:9  Who is he, that we may praise him? For he has done wonders among his people.
31:10  Who has been tested by gold and been found perfect? Let it be for him his glory; Who could have sinned but did not, and could have done evil but did not?
31:11  So his good fortune is secure, and the assembly will recount his praises.
31:12  Are you seated at the table of the great? Bring to it no greedy gullet, Nor say, “How much food there is here!”
31:13  Remember that the greedy eye is evil. What has been created more greedy than the eye? Therefore, it weeps for any cause.
31:14  Toward what he looks at, do not put out a hand; nor reach for the same dish when he does.
31:15  Recognize that your neighbor feels as you do, and keep in mind everything you dislike.
31:16  Eat, like anyone else, what is set before you, but do not eat greedily, lest you be despised.
31:17  Be the first to stop, as befits good manners; and do not gorge yourself, lest you give offense.
31:18  If there are many with you at table, do not be the first to stretch out your hand.
31:19  Does not a little suffice for a well-bred person? When he lies down, he does not wheeze.
31:20  Moderate eating ensures sound slumber and a clear mind on rising the next day. The distress of sleeplessness and of nausea and colic are with the glutton!
31:21  Should you have eaten too much, get up to vomit and you will have relief.
31:22  Listen to me, my child, and do not scorn me; later you will find my advice good. In whatever you do, be moderate, and no sickness will befall you.
31:23  People bless one who is generous with food, and this testimony to his goodness is lasting.
31:24  The city complains about one who is stingy with food, and this testimony to his stinginess is lasting.
31:25  Let not wine be the proof of your strength, for wine has been the ruin of many.
31:26  As the furnace tests the work of the smith, so does wine the hearts of the insolent.
31:27  Wine is very life to anyone, if taken in moderation. Does anyone really live who lacks the wine which from the beginning was created for joy?
31:28  Joy of heart, good cheer, and delight is wine enough, drunk at the proper time.
31:29  Headache, bitterness, and disgrace is wine drunk amid anger and strife.
31:30  Wine in excess is a snare for the fool; it lessens strength and multiplies wounds.
31:31  Do not wrangle with your neighbor when wine is served, nor despise him while he is having a good time; Say no harsh words to him nor distress him by making demands.