Sirach 20

1There is a reproof that is not comely: again, some man holdeth his tongue, and he is wise.Log in to add notes

2It is much better to reprove, than to be angry secretly: and he that confesseth his fault shall be preserved from hurt.Log in to add notes

3How good is it, when thou art reproved, to shew repentance! for so shalt thou escape wilful sin.Log in to add notes

4As is the lust of an eunuch to deflower a virgin; so is he that executeth judgment with violence.Log in to add notes

5There is one that keepeth silence, and is found wise: and another by much babbling becometh hateful.Log in to add notes

6Some man holdeth his tongue, because he hath not to answer: and some keepeth silence, knowing his time.Log in to add notes

7A wise man will hold his tongue till he see opportunity: but a babbler and a fool will regard no time.Log in to add notes

8He that useth many words shall be abhorred; and he that taketh to himself authority therein shall be hated.Log in to add notes

9There is a sinner that hath good success in evil things; and there is a gain that turneth to loss.Log in to add notes

10There is a gift that shall not profit thee; and there is a gift whose recompence is double.Log in to add notes

11There is an abasement because of glory; and there is that lifteth up his head from a low estate.Log in to add notes

12There is that buyeth much for a little, and repayeth it sevenfold.Log in to add notes

13A wise man by his words maketh him beloved: but the graces of fools shall be poured out.Log in to add notes

14The gift of a fool shall do thee no good when thou hast it; neither yet of the envious for his necessity: for he looketh to receive many things for one.Log in to add notes

15He giveth little, and upbraideth much; he openeth his mouth like a crier; to day he lendeth, and to morrow will he ask it again: such an one is to be hated of God and man.Log in to add notes

16The fool saith, I have no friends, I have no thank for all my good deeds, and they that eat my bread speak evil of me.Log in to add notes

17How oft, and of how many shall he be laughed to scorn! for he knoweth not aright what it is to have; and it is all one unto him as if he had it not.Log in to add notes

18To slip upon a pavement is better than to slip with the tongue: so the fall of the wicked shall come speedily.Log in to add notes

19An unseasonable tale will always be in the mouth of the unwise.Log in to add notes

20A wise sentence shall be rejected when it cometh out of a fool’s mouth; for he will not speak it in due season.Log in to add notes

21There is that is hindered from sinning through want: and when he taketh rest, he shall not be troubled.Log in to add notes

22There is that destroyeth his own soul through bashfulness, and by accepting of persons overthroweth himself.Log in to add notes

23There is that for bashfulness promiseth to his friend, and maketh him his enemy for nothing.Log in to add notes

24A lie is a foul blot in a man, yet it is continually in the mouth of the untaught.Log in to add notes

25A thief is better than a man that is accustomed to lie: but they both shall have destruction to heritage.Log in to add notes

26The disposition of a liar is dishonourable, and his shame is ever with him.Log in to add notes

27A wise man shall promote himself to honour with his words: and he that hath understanding will please great men.Log in to add notes

28He that tilleth his land shall increase his heap: and he that pleaseth great men shall get pardon for iniquity.Log in to add notes

29Presents and gifts blind the eyes of the wise, and stop up his mouth that he cannot reprove.Log in to add notes

30Wisdom that is hid, and treasure that is hoarded up, what profit is in them both?Log in to add notes

31Better is he that hideth his folly than a man that hideth his wisdom.Log in to add notes

32Necessary patience in seeking the Lord is better than he that leadeth his life without a guide.Log in to add notes