Ecclesiasticus 20:1-25
[1]There is a reproof that is not comely: again, some man holdeth his tongue, and he is wise.
[2]It is much better to reprove, than to be angry secretly: and he that confesseth his fault shall be preserved from hurt.
[3]How good is it, when thou art reproved, to shew repentance! for so shalt thou escape wilful sin.
[4]As is the lust of an eunuch to deflower a virgin; so is he that executeth judgment with violence.
[5]There is one that keepeth silence, and is found wise: and another by much babbling becometh hateful.
[6]Some man holdeth his tongue, because he hath not to answer: and some keepeth silence, knowing his time.
[7]A wise man will hold his tongue till he see opportunity: but a babbler and a fool will regard no time.
[8]He that useth many words shall be abhorred; and he that taketh to himself authority therein shall be hated.
[9]There is a sinner that hath good success in evil things; and there is a gain that turneth to loss.
[10]There is a gift that shall not profit thee; and there is a gift whose recompence is double.
[11]There is an abasement because of glory; and there is that lifteth up his head from a low estate.
[12]There is that buyeth much for a little, and repayeth it sevenfold.
[13]A wise man by his words maketh him beloved: but the graces of fools shall be poured out.
[14]The 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.
[15]He giveth little, and upbraideth much; he openeth his mouth like a crier; to day he lendeth, and to morrow will he ask it again: such an one is to be hated of God and man.
[16]The 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.
[17]How 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.
[18]To slip upon a pavement is better than to slip with the tongue: so the fall of the wicked shall come speedily.
[19]An unseasonable tale will always be in the mouth of the unwise.
[20]A wise sentence shall be rejected when it cometh out of a fool's mouth; for he will not speak it in due season.
[21]There is that is hindered from sinning through want: and when he taketh rest, he shall not be troubled.
[22]There is that destroyeth his own soul through bashfulness, and by accepting of persons overthroweth himself.
[23]There is that for bashfulness promiseth to his friend, and maketh him his enemy for nothing.
[24]A lie is a foul blot in a man, yet it is continually in the mouth of the untaught.
[25]A thief is better than a man that is accustomed to lie: but they both shall have destruction to heritage.
