Ecclesiasticus 20
20
A Time for Silence and a Time for Speaking
1There is a reproof that is not comely: again, some man holdeth his tongue, and he is wise. 2#Prov 28.13. It is much better to reprove, than to be angry secretly: and he that confesseth his fault shall be preserved from hurt. 3How good is it, when thou art reproved, to show repentance! for so shalt thou escape wilful sin. 4As is the lust of an eunuch to deflower a virgin; so is he that executeth judgment with violence. 5#Prov 17.28. There is one that keepeth silence, and is found wise: and another by much babbling becometh hateful. 6Some man holdeth his tongue, because he hath not to answer: and some keepeth 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 useth many words shall be abhorred; and he that taketh to himself authority therein shall be hated.
Some Things Contrary to Expectations
9There is a sinner that hath good success in evil things; and there is a gain that turneth to loss. 10There is a gift that shall not profit thee; and there is a gift whose recompense is double. 11#1 Sam 2.4; Matt 23.12; Luke 1.52. There is an abasement because of glory; and there is that lifteth up his head from a low estate. 12There is that buyeth much for a little, and repayeth it sevenfold. 13A wise man by his words maketh him beloved: but the graces of fools shall be poured out. 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. 15He giveth little, and upbraideth much; he openeth his mouth like a crier; today he lendeth, and tomorrow will he ask it again: such an one is to be hated of God and man. 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. 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.
Inappropriate Speaking
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 cometh out of a fool's mouth; for he will not speak it in due season. 21There is that is hindered from sinning through want: and when he taketh rest, he shall not be troubled. 22There is that destroyeth his own soul through bashfulness, and by accepting of persons overthroweth himself. 23There is that for bashfulness promiseth to his friend, and maketh him his enemy for nothing.
Lying
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 dishonorable, and his shame is ever with him.
Rewards and Dangers of the Wise
27A wise man shall promote himself to honor with his words: and he that hath understanding will please great men. 28#Prov 12.11; 28.19. He that tilleth his land shall increase his heap: and he that pleaseth great men shall get pardon for iniquity. 29#Exod 23.8; Deut 16.19. Presents and gifts blind the eyes of the wise, and stop up his mouth that he cannot reprove. 30Wisdom that is hid, and treasure that is hoarded up, what profit is in them both? 31Better is he that hideth his folly than a man that hideth his wisdom. 32Necessary patience in seeking the Lord is better than he that leadeth his life without a guide.
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Ecclesiasticus 20: KJVAAE
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King James Version 1611, spelling, punctuation and text formatting modernized by ABS in 1962; typesetting © 2010 American Bible Society.