25
Do not try to prove your strength by wine-drinking,
for wine has destroyed many.
26
As the furnace tests the work of the smith, 1
so wine tests hearts when the insolent quarrel.
27
Wine is very life to human beings
if taken in moderation.
What is life to one who is without wine?
It has been created to make people happy.
28
Wine drunk at the proper time and in moderation
is rejoicing of heart and gladness of soul.
29
Wine drunk to excess leads to bitterness of spirit,
to quarrels and stumbling.
30
Drunkenness increases the anger of a fool to his own hurt,
reducing his strength and adding wounds.
31
Do not reprove your neighbor at a banquet of wine,
and do not despise him in his merrymaking;
speak no word of reproach to him,
and do not distress him by making demands of him.