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The Book of Jesus Sirach

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- Chapter 20 -

Rules with regard to correction, discretion, and avoiding lies.

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

Rules with regard to correction, discretion, and avoiding lies.

1
There is a reproof that is not timely; and there is a person who is wise enough to keep silent.
2
How good is it to reprove, rather than to be angry. He who confesses will be kept back from harm.
3
(a)
4
As is the lust of a eunuch to deflower a virgin, so is he who executes judgments with violence.
5
There is one who keeps silent and is found wise; and there is one who is hated for his much talk.
6
There is one who keeps silent, for he has no answer to make; And there is one who keeps silent, knowing when to speak.
7
A wise man will be silent until his time has come, but the braggart and fool will miss his time.
8
He who uses many words will be abhorred. He who takes authority for himself will be hated in it.
9
There is a prosperity that a man finds in misfortunes; and there is a gain that turns to loss.
10
There is a gift that will not profit you; and there is a gift that pays back double.
11
There are losses because of glory; and there is one who has lifted up his head from a low estate.
12
There is one who buys much for a little, and pays for it again sevenfold.
13
He who is wise in words will make himself beloved; but the pleasantries of fools will be wasted.
14
The gift of a fool will not profit you,(b) for he looks for repayment many times instead of one.
15
He will give little and insult much. He will open his mouth like a crier. Today he will lend, and tomorrow he will ask for it back. Such a one is a hateful man.
16
The fool will say, “I have no friend, and I have no thanks for my good deeds. Those who eat my bread have an evil tongue.”
17
How often, and of how many, will he be laughed to scorn!(c)
18
A slip on a pavement is better than a slip with the tongue. So the fall of the wicked will come speedily.
19
A man without grace is a tale out of season. It will be continually in the mouth of the ignorant.
20
A parable from a fool’s mouth will be rejected; for he won’t tell it at the proper time.
21
There is one who is hindered from sinning through lack. When he rests, he will not be troubled.
22
There is one who destroys his soul through bashfulness. By a foolish countenance, he will destroy it.
23
There is one who for bashfulness makes promises to his friend; and he makes him his enemy for nothing.
24
A lie is an ugly blot on a person. It will be continually in the mouth of the ignorant.
25
A thief is better than a man who is continually lying, but they both will inherit destruction.
26
The destination of a liar is dishonor. His shame is with him continually.
27
He who is wise in words will advance himself. And one who is prudent will please great men.
28
He who tills his land will raise his harvest high. He who pleases great men will get pardon for iniquity.
29
Favors and gifts blind the eyes of the wise, and as a muzzle on the mouth, turn away reproofs.
30
Wisdom that is hidden, and treasure that is out of sight— what profit is in either of them?
31
Better is a man who hides his folly than a man who hides his wisdom. (d)

Footnotes

(a)20:3 Verse 3 is omitted by the best authorities.
(b)20:14 A line of this verse is here omitted by the best authorities.
(c)20:17 The latter part of verse 17 is omitted by the best authorities.
(d)20:32 Verse 32 is omitted by the best authorities.
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