Ecclesiasticus 21:1-28
[1]My son, hast thou sinned? do so no more, but ask pardon for thy former sins.
[2]Flee from sin as from the face of a serpent: for if thou comest too near it, it will bite thee: the teeth thereof are as the teeth of a lion, slaying the souls of men.
[3]All iniquity is as a two edged sword, the wounds whereof cannot be healed.
[4]To terrify and do wrong will waste riches: thus the house of proud men shall be made desolate.
[5]A prayer out of a poor man's mouth reacheth to the ears of God, and his judgment cometh speedily.
[6]He that hateth to be reproved is in the way of sinners: but he that feareth the Lord will repent from his heart.
[7]An eloquent man is known far and near; but a man of understanding knoweth when he slippeth.
[8]He that buildeth his house with other men's money is like one that gathereth himself stones for the tomb of his burial.
[9]The congregation of the wicked is like tow wrapped together: and the end of them is a flame of fire to destroy them.
[10]The way of sinners is made plain with stones, but at the end thereof is the pit of hell.
[11]He that keepeth the law of the Lord getteth the understanding thereof: and the perfection of the fear of the Lord is wisdom.
[12]He that is not wise will not be taught: but there is a wisdom which multiplieth bitterness.
[13]The knowledge of a wise man shall abound like a flood: and his counsel is like a pure fountain of life.
[14]The inner parts of a fool are like a broken vessel, and he will hold no knowledge as long as he liveth.
[15]If a skilful man hear a wise word, he will commend it, and add unto it: but as soon as one of no understanding heareth it, it displeaseth him, and he casteth it behind his back.
[16]The talking of a fool is like a burden in the way: but grace shall be found in the lips of the wise.
[17]They enquire at the mouth of the wise man in the congregation, and they shall ponder his words in their heart.
[18]As is a house that is destroyed, so is wisdom to a fool: and the knowledge of the unwise is as talk without sense.
[19]Doctrine unto fools is as fetters on the feet, and like manacles on the right hand.
[20]A fool lifteth up his voice with laughter; but a wise man doth scarce smile a little.
[21]Learning is unto a wise man as an ornament of gold, and like a bracelet upon his right arm.
[22]A foolish man's foot is soon in his neighbour's house: but a man of experience is ashamed of him.
[23]A fool will peep in at the door into the house: but he that is well nurtured will stand without.
[24]It is the rudeness of a man to hearken at the door: but a wise man will be grieved with the disgrace.
[25]The lips of talkers will be telling such things as pertain not unto them: but the words of such as have understanding are weighed in the balance.
[26]The heart of fools is in their mouth: but the mouth of the wise is in their heart.
[27]When the ungodly curseth Satan, he curseth his own soul.
[28]A whisperer defileth his own soul, and is hated wheresoever he dwelleth.
