Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 20
20
1HOW much better is it to reprove, than to be angry, and not to hinder him that confesseth in prayer.
2The lust of an eunuch shall devour a young maiden:
3So is he that by violence executeth unjust judgment.
4How good is it, when thou art reproved, to shew repentance! for so thou shalt escape wilful sin.
5There is one that holdeth his peace, that is found wise: and there is another that is hateful, that is bold in speech.
6There is one that holdeth his peace, because he knoweth not what to say: and there is another that holdeth his peace, knowing the proper time.
7A wise man will hold his peace till he see opportunity: but a babbler, and a fool, will regard no time.
8He that useth many words shall hurt his own soul: and he that taketh authority to himself unjustly shall be hated.
9There is success in evil things to a man without discipline, and there is a finding that turneth to loss.
10There is a gift that is not profitable: and there is a gift, the recompense of which is double.
11There is an abasement because of glory: and there is one that shall lift up his head from a low estate.
12There is that buyeth much for a small price, and restoreth the same sevenfold.
13A man wise in words shall make himself beloved: but the graces of fools shall be poured out.
14The gift of the fool shall do thee no good: for his eyes are sevenfold.
15He will give a few things, and upbraid much: and the opening of his mouth is the kindling of a fire.
16To day a man lendeth, and to morrow he asketh it again: such a man as this is hateful.
17A fool shall have no friend, and there shall be no thanks for his good deeds.
18For they that eat his bread, are of a false tongue. How often, and how many will laugh him to scorn!
19For he doth not distribute with right understanding that which was to be had: in like manner also that which was not to be had.
20The slipping of a false tongue is as one that falleth on the pavement: so the fall of the wicked shall come speedily.
21A man without grace is as a vain fable, it shall be continually in the mouth of the unwise.
22A parable coming out, of a fool's mouth shall be rejected: for he doth not speak it in due season.
23There is that is hindered from sinning through want, and in his rest he shall be pricked.
24There is that will destroy his own soul through shamefacedness, and by occasion of an unwise person he will destroy it: and by respect of person he will destroy himself.
25There is that for bashfulness promiseth to his friend, and maketh him his enemy for nothing.
26A lie is a foul blot in a man, and yet it will be continually in the mouth of men without discipline.
27A thief is better than a man that is always lying: but both of them shall inherit destruction.
28The manners of lying men are without honour: and their confusion is with them without ceasing.
29A wise man shall advance himself with his words, and a prudent man shall please the great ones.
30He that tilleth his land shall make a high heap of corn: and he that worketh justice shall be exalted: and he that pleaseth great men shall escape iniquity.
31Presents and gifts blind the eyes of judges, and make them dumb in the mouth, so that they cannot correct.
32Wisdom that is hid, and treasure that is not seen: what profit is there in them both?
33Better is he that hideth his folly, than the man that hideth his wisdom.
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Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 20: DRC1752
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An historical text maintained by the British and Foreign Bible Society.