Pour not out talk where there is a performance of music, and display not thy wisdom out of season. As a signet of carbuncle in a setting of gold, so is a concert of music in a banquet of wine. As a signet of emerald in a work of gold, so is a strain of music with pleasant wine. * * * * * Speak, young man, if there be need of thee; yet scarcely if thou be twice asked. Sum up thy speech, many things in few words; be as one that knoweth and yet holdeth his tongue. If thou be among great men, behave not as their equal; and when another is speaking, make not much babbling. Before thunder speedeth lightning; and before a shamefast man favour shall go forth. Rise up betimes, and not be the last; get thee home quickly and loiter not: There take thy pastime, and do what is in thy heart; and sin not by proud speech; And for these things bless him that made thee, and giveth thee to drink freely of his good things. He that feareth the Lord will receive his discipline; and they that seek him early shall find favour. He that seeketh the law shall be filled therewith: but the hypocrite shall stumble thereat. They that fear the Lord shall find judgement, and shall kindle righteous acts as a light. A sinful man shunneth reproof, and will find a judgement according to his will. * * * * * A man of counsel will not neglect a thought; a strange and proud man will not crouch in fear, even after he hath done a thing by himself without counsel. Do nothing without counsel; and when thou hast once done, repent not. Go not in a way of conflict; and stumble not in stony places. Be not confident in a smooth way. And beware of thine own children. In every work trust thine own soul; for this is the keeping of the commandments. * * * * * He that believeth the law giveth heed to the commandment; and he that trusteth in the Lord shall suffer no loss. =33= There shall no evil happen unto him that feareth the Lord; but in temptation once and again will he deliver him. A wise man will not hate the law; but he that is a hypocrite therein is as a ship in a storm. A man of understanding will put his trust in the law; and the law is faithful unto him, as when one asketh at the oracle. Prepare thy speech, and so shalt thou be heard; bind up instruction, and make thine answer. The heart of a fool is as a cartwheel; and his thoughts like a rolling axle-tree. A stallion horse is as a mocking friend; he neigheth under every one that sitteth upon him. * * * * * Why doth one day excel another, when all the light of every day in the year is of the sun? By the knowledge of the Lord they were distinguished; and he varied seasons and feasts: Some of them he exalted and hallowed, and some of them hath he made ordinary days. And all men are from the ground, and Adam was created of earth.