Sirach
20:1 There is a reproof that is not comely: again, some man holdeth his
tongue, and he is wise.
20:2 It is much better to reprove, than to be angry secretly: and he that
confesseth his fault shall be preserved from hurt.
20:3 How good is it, when thou art reproved, to shew repentance! for so shalt
thou escape wilful sin.
20:4 As is the lust of an eunuch to deflower a virgin; so is he that
executeth judgment with violence.
20:5 There is one that keepeth silence, and is found wise: and another by
much babbling becometh hateful.
20:6 Some man holdeth his tongue, because he hath not to answer: and some
keepeth silence, knowing his time.
20:7 A wise man will hold his tongue till he see opportunity: but a babbler
and a fool will regard no time.
20:8 He that useth many words shall be abhorred; and he that taketh to
himself authority therein shall be hated.
20:9 There is a sinner that hath good success in evil things; and there is a
gain that turneth to loss.
20:10 There is a gift that shall not profit thee; and there is a gift whose
recompence is double.
20:11 There is an abasement because of glory; and there is that lifteth up his
head from a low estate.
20:12 There is that buyeth much for a little, and repayeth it sevenfold.
20:13 A wise man by his words maketh him beloved: but the graces of fools
shall be poured out.
20:14 The 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.
20:15 He 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.
20:16 The 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.
20:17 How 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.
20:18 To slip upon a pavement is better than to slip with the tongue: so the
fall of the wicked shall come speedily.
20:19 An unseasonable tale will always be in the mouth of the unwise.
20:20 A wise sentence shall be rejected when it cometh out of a fool's mouth;
for he will not speak it in due season.
20:21 There is that is hindered from sinning through want: and when he taketh
rest, he shall not be troubled.
20:22 There is that destroyeth his own soul through bashfulness, and by
accepting of persons overthroweth himself.
20:23 There is that for bashfulness promiseth to his friend, and maketh him
his enemy for nothing.
20:24 A lie is a foul blot in a man, yet it is continually in the mouth of the
untaught.
20:25 A thief is better than a man that is accustomed to lie: but they both
shall have destruction to heritage.
20:26 The disposition of a liar is dishonourable, and his shame is ever with
him.
20:27 A wise man shall promote himself to honour with his words: and he that
hath understanding will please great men.
20:28 He that tilleth his land shall increase his heap: and he that pleaseth
great men shall get pardon for iniquity.
20:29 Presents and gifts blind the eyes of the wise, and stop up his mouth
that he cannot reprove.
20:30 Wisdom that is hid, and treasure that is hoarded up, what profit is in
them both?
20:31 Better is he that hideth his folly than a man that hideth his wisdom.
20:32 Necessary patience in seeking ing the Lord is better than he that
leadeth his life without a guide.
