25 Don’t show yourself valiant in wine,

for wine has destroyed many.

26 The furnace tests the temper of steel by dipping;

so does wine test hearts in the quarrelling of the proud.

27 Wine is as good as life to men,

if you drink it in moderation.

What life is there to a man who is without wine?

It has been created to make men glad.

28 Wine drunk in season and in moderation

is joy of heart and gladness of soul:

29 Wine drunk excessively is bitterness of soul,

with provocation and conflict.

30 Drunkenness increases the rage of a fool to his hurt.

It diminishes strength and adds wounds.

31 Don’t rebuke your neighbour at a banquet of wine.

Don’t despise him in his mirth.

Don’t speak a word of reproach to him.

Don’t distress him by making demands of him.