Wisdom of Sirach 20
1There is a reproof that is not comely: again, some man holds his tongue, and he is wise.
2It is much better to reprove, than to be angry secretly: and he that confesses his fault shall be preserved from hurt.
3How good is it, when you are reproved, to show repentance! for so shall you escape wilful sin.
4As is the lust of an eunuch to deflower a virgin; so is he that executes judgment with violence.
5There is one that keeps silence, and is found wise: and another by much babbling becomes hateful.
6Some man holds his tongue, because he has not to answer: and some keeps silence, knowing his time.
7A wise man will hold his tongue till he see opportunity: but a babbler and a fool will regard no time.
8He that uses many words shall be abhorred; and he that takes to himself authority therein shall be hated.
9There is a sinner that has good success in evil things; and there is a gain that turns to loss.
10There is a gift that shall not profit you; and there is a gift whose recompence is double.
11There is an abasement because of glory; and there is that lifts up his head from a low estate.
12There is that buys much for a little, and repays it sevenfold.
13A wise man by his words makes him beloved: but the graces of fools shall be poured out.
14The gift of a fool shall do you no good when you have it; neither yet of the envious for his necessity: for he looks to receive many things for one.
15He gives little, and upbraids much; he opens his mouth like a crier; to day he lends, and to morrow will he ask it again: such an one is to be hated of God and man.
16The fool says, I have no friends, I have no thank for all my good deeds, and they that eat my bread speak evil of me.
17How often, and of how many shall he be laughed to scorn! for he knows not aright what it is to have; and it is all one to him as if he had it not.
18To slip upon a pavement is better than to slip with the tongue: so the fall of the wicked shall come speedily.
19An unseasonable tale will always be in the mouth of the unwise.
20A wise sentence shall be rejected when it comes out of a fool's mouth; for he will not speak it in due season.
21There is that is hindered from sinning through lack: and when he takes rest, he shall not be troubled.
22There is that destroys his own soul through bashfulness, and by accepting of persons overthrows himself.
23There is that for bashfulness promises to his friend, and makes him his enemy for nothing.
24A lie is a foul blot in a man, yet it is continually in the mouth of the untaught.
25A thief is better than a man that is accustomed to lie: but they both shall have destruction to heritage.
26The disposition of a liar is dishonourable, and his shame is ever with him.
27A wise man shall promote himself to honor with his words: and he that has understanding will please great men.
28He that tills his land shall increase his heap: and he that pleases great men shall get pardon for iniquity.
29Presents and gifts blind the eyes of the wise, and stop up his mouth that he can't reprove.
30Wisdom that is hid, and treasure that is hoarded up, what profit is in them both?
31Better is he that hides his folly than a man that hides his wisdom.
32Necessary patience in seeking the Lord is better than he that leads his life without a guide.
Commentaries for Wisdom of Sirach 20:0