Sirach - Chapter 20

Passage

How much better is it to reprove, than to be angry, and not to hinder him that confesses in prayer. The lust of an eunuch shall deflour a young maiden: So is he that by violence executes of the unwise. How good is it, when you are reproved, to show repentance! for so you shall escape wilful sin. There is one that holds his peace, that is found wise: and there is another that is hateful, that is bold in speech. There is one that holds his peace, because he does not know what to say: and there is another that holds his peace, knowing the proper time. A wise man will hold his peace till he see opportunity: but a babbler, and a fool, will regard no time. He that uses many words shall hurt his own soul: and he that takes authority to himself unjustly shall be hated. There is success in evil things to a man without discipline, and there is a finding that turns to loss. There is a gift that is not profitable: and there is a gift, the recompense of which is double. There is an abasement because of glory: and there is one that shall lift up his head from a low estate. There is that buys much for a small price, and restores the same sevenfold. A man wise in words shall make himself beloved: but the graces of fools shall be poured out. The gift of the fool shall do you no good: for his eyes are sevenfold. He will give a few things, and upbraid much: and the opening of his mouth is the kindling of a fire. To day a man lends, and to morrow he asks it again: such a man as this is hateful. A fool shall have no friend, and there shall be no thanks for his good deeds. For they that eat his bread, are of a false tongue. How often, and how many will laugh him to scorn! For he does not distribute with right understanding that which was to be had: in like manner also that which was not to be had. The slipping of a false tongue is as one that falls on the pavement: so the fall of the wicked shall come speedily. A man without grace is as a vain fable, it shall be continually in the mouth of the unwise. A parable coming out of a fool's mouth shall be rejected: for he does not speak it in due season. There is that is hindered from sinning through want, and in his rest he shall be pricked. There 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. There is that for bashfulness promises to his friend, and makes him his enemy for nothing. A lie is a foul blot in a man, and yet it will be continually in the mouth of men without discipline. A thief is better than a man that is always lying: but both of them shall inherit destruction. The manners of lying men are without honor: and their confusion is with them without ceasing. A wise man shall advance himself with his words, and a prudent man shall please the great ones. He that tills his land shall make a high heap of corn: and he that works justice shall be exalted: and he that pleases great men shall escape iniquity. Presents and gifts blind the eyes of judges, and make them dumb in the mouth, so that they cannot correct. O Wisdom that is hid, and treasure that is not seen: what profit is there in them both? Better is he that hides his folly, than the man that hides his wisdom.