Sirach 20 — WEBU

20Verse 1There is a reproof that is not timely;and there is a person who is wise enough to keep silent.^{Verse 2}How good is it to reprove, rather than to be angry.He who confesses will be kept back from harm.^{Verse 3+Verse 4}As is the lust of a eunuch to deflower a virgin,so is he who executes judgments with violence.^{Verse 5}There is one who keeps silent and is found wise;and there is one who is hated for his much talk.^{Verse 6}There is one who keeps silent, for he has no answer to make;And there is one who keeps silent, knowing when to speak.^{Verse 7}A wise man will be silent until his time has come,but the braggart and fool will miss his time.^{Verse 8}He who uses many words will be abhorred.He who takes authority for himself will be hated in it.^{Verse 9}There is a prosperity that a man finds in misfortunes;and there is a gain that turns to loss.^{Verse 10}There is a gift that will not profit you;and there is a gift that pays back double.^{Verse 11}There are losses because of glory;and there is one who has lifted up his head from a low estate.^{Verse 12}There is one who buys much for a little,and pays for it again sevenfold.^{Verse 13}He who is wise in words will make himself beloved;but the pleasantries of fools will be wasted.^{Verse 14}The gift of a fool will not profit you,⁺for he looks for repayment many times instead of one.^{Verse 15}He will give little and insult much.He will open his mouth like a crier.Today he will lend, and tomorrow he will ask for it back.Such a one is a hateful man.^{Verse 16}The fool will say, “I have no friend,and I have no thanks for my good deeds.
Those who eat my bread have an evil tongue.”^{Verse 17}How often, and of how many, will he be laughed to scorn!^{+Verse 18}A slip on a pavement is better than a slip with the tongue.So the fall of the wicked will come speedily.^{Verse 19}A man without grace is a tale out of season.It will be continually in the mouth of the ignorant.^{Verse 20}A parable from a fool’s mouth will be rejected;for he won’t tell it at the proper time.^{Verse 21}There is one who is hindered from sinning through lack.When he rests, he will not be troubled.^{Verse 22}There is one who destroys his soul through bashfulness.By a foolish countenance, he will destroy it.^{Verse 23}There is one who for bashfulness makes promises to his friend;and he makes him his enemy for nothing.^{Verse 24}A lie is an ugly blot on a person.It will be continually in the mouth of the ignorant.^{Verse 25}A thief is better than a man who is continually lying,but they both will inherit destruction.^{Verse 26}The destination of a liar is dishonor.His shame is with him continually.^{Verse 27}He who is wise in words will advance himself.And one who is prudent will please great men.^{Verse 28}He who tills his land will raise his harvest high.He who pleases great men will get pardon for iniquity.^{Verse 29}Favors and gifts blind the eyes of the wise,and as a muzzle on the mouth, turn away reproofs.^{Verse 30}Wisdom that is hidden, and treasure that is out of sight—what profit is in either of them?^{Verse 31}Better is a man who hides his follythan a man who hides his wisdom.^{Verse 32+}