The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus 20

1There is a reproof that is not comely; 2How good is it to reprove, rather than to be angry; 3Verse 3 is omitted by the best authorities. 4As is the lust of an eunuch to deflower a virgin; 5There is one that keeps silence, and is found wise; 6There is one that keeps silence, for he has no answer to make; 7A wise man will be silent till his time come; 8He that uses many words will be abhorred; 9There is a prosperity that a man finds in misfortunes; 10There is a gift that will not profit you; 11There is an abasement because of glory; 12There is that buys much for a little, 13He that is wise in words will make himself beloved; 14The gift of a fool will not profit you; A line of this verse is here omitted by the best authorities. 15He will give little, and upbraid much; 16The fool will say, I have no friend, 17How often, and of how many, will he be laughed to scorn! The latter part of verse 17 is omitted by the best authorities. 18A slip on a pavement is better than a slip with the tongue; 19A man without grace is as a tale out of season: 20A wise sentence from a fool’s mouth will be rejected; Gr. parable. 21There is that is hindered from sinning through lack; 22There is that destroys his soul through bashfulness; 23There is that for bashfulness promises to his friend; 24A lie is a foul blot in a man: 25A thief is better than a man that is continually lying: 26The disposition of a liar is dishonor; 27He that is wise in words will advance himself; 28He that tils his land will raise his heap high; 29Presents and gifts blind the eyes of the wise, 30Wisdom that is hid, and treasure that is out of sight, 31Better is a man that hides his folly 32Verse 32 is omitted by the best authorities.