12 Do you sit at a great table? Don’t be greedy there.

Don’t say, “There is a lot of food on it!”

13 Remember that a greedy eye is a wicked thing.

What has been created more greedy than an eye?

Therefore it sheds tears from every face.

14 Don’t stretch your hand wherever it looks.

Don’t thrust yourself with it into the dish.

15 Consider your neighbour’s feelings by your own.

Be discreet in every point.

16 Eat like a human being those things which are set before you.

Don’t eat greedily, lest you be hated.

17 Be first to stop for manners’ sake.

Don’t be insatiable, lest you offend.

18 And if you sit amongst many,

Don’t reach out your hand before them.

19 How sufficient to a well-mannered man is a very little.

He doesn’t breathe heavily in his bed.

20 Healthy sleep comes from moderate eating.

He rises early, and his wits are with him.

The pain of wakefulness, colic,

and griping are with an insatiable man.

21 And if you have been forced to eat,

rise up in the middle of it, and you shall have rest.

22 Hear me, my son, and don’t despise me,

and in the end you will appreciate my words.

In all your works be skilful,

and no disease will come to you.

23 People bless him who is liberal with his food.

The testimony of his excellence will be believed.

24 The city will murmur at him who is a stingy with his food.

The testimony of his stinginess will be accurate.