Sirach 20

There is a reproof that is not comely; And there is a man that keepeth silence, and he is wise.

How good is it to reprove, rather than to be wroth; And he that maketh confession shall be kept back from hurt.

As is the lust of a eunuch to deflower a virgin; So is he that executeth judgments with violence.

There is one that keepeth silence, and is found wise; And there is one that is hated for his much talk.

There is one that keepeth silence, for he hath no answer to make; And there is that keepeth silence, as knowing his time.

A wise man will be silent till his time come; But the braggart and fool will overpass his time.

He that useth many words shall be abhorred; And he that taketh to himself authority therein shall be hated.

There is a prosperity that a man findeth in misfortunes; And there is a gain that turneth to loss.

There is a gift that shall not profit thee; And there is a gift whose recompense is double.

There is an abasement because of glory; And there is that hath lifted up his head from a low estate.

There is that buyeth much for a little, And payeth for it again sevenfold.

He that is wise in words shall make himself beloved; But the pleasantries of fools shall be wasted.

The gift of a fool shall not profit thee; For his eyes are many instead of one.

He will give little, and upbraid much; And he will open his mouth like a crier: Today he will lend, and tomorrow he will ask it again: Such a one is a hateful man.

The fool will say, I have no friend, And I have no thanks for my good deeds; They that eat my bread are of evil tongue.

How oft, and of how many, shall he be laughed to scorn!

A slip on a pavement is better than a slip with the tongue; So the fall of the wicked shall come speedily.

A man without grace is as a tale out of season: It will be continually in the mouth of the ignorant.

A wise sentence from a fool’s mouth will be rejected; For he will not speak it in its season.

There is that is hindered from sinning through want; And when he taketh rest, he shall not be troubled.

There is that destroyeth his soul through bashfulness; And by a foolish countenance he will destroy it.

There is that for bashfulness promiseth to his friend; And he maketh him his enemy for nothing.

A lie is a foul blot in a man: It will be continually in the mouth of the ignorant.

A thief is better than a man that is continually lying: But they both shall inherit destruction.

The disposition of a liar is dishonor; And his shame is with him continually.

He that is wise in words shall advance himself; And one that is prudent will please great men.

He that tilleth his land shall raise his heap high; And he that pleaseth great men shall get pardon for iniquity.

Presents and gifts blind the eyes of the wise, And as a muzzle on the mouth, turn away reproofs.

Wisdom that is hidden, and treasure that is out of sight, What profit is in them both?

Better is a man that hideth his folly Than a man that hideth his wisdom.