Sir 20
1
There is a reproof that is not beautiful: again, some man holds his tongue, and he
is wise.
2
It is much better to reprove, than to be angry secretly: and he who confesses his
fault shall be preserved from hurt.
3
How good is it, when you are reproved, to shew repentance! for so shall you escape
wilful sin.
4
As is the lust of an eunuch to deflower a virgin; so is he who executes judgement
with violence.
5
There is one that keeps silence, and is found wise: and another by much babbling becomes
hateful.
6
Some man holds his tongue, because he has not to answer: and some keeps 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 who uses many words shall be abhorred; and he who takes to himself authority therein
shall be hated.
9
There is a sinner that has good success in evil things; and there is a gain that turns
to loss.
10
There is a gift that shall not profit you; and there is a gift whose recompence is
double.
11
There is an abasement because of glory; and there is that lifts up his head from a
low estate.
12
There is that buys much for a little, and repays it sevenfold.
13
A wise man by his words makes him beloved: but the graces of fools shall be poured
out.
14
The gift of a fool shall do you no good when you have it; neither yet of the envious
for his necessity: for he looks to receive many things for one.
15
He gives little, and reproaches much; he opens his mouth like a crier; to day he lends,
and to morrow will he ask it again: such an one is to be hated of God and man.
16
The fool says, 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 knows not aright what
it is to have; and it is all one to 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 comes 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 takes rest, he shall
not be troubled.
22
There is that destroys his own soul through bashfulness, and by accepting of persons
overthrows himself.
23
There is that for bashfulness promises to his friend, and makes 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.
26
The disposition of a liar is dishonourable, and his shame is ever with him.
27
A wise man shall promote himself to honour with his words: and he who has understanding
will please great men.
28
He who tills his land shall increase his heap: and he who pleases great men shall
get pardon for iniquity.
29
Presents and gifts blind the eyes of the wise, and stop up his mouth that he cannot
reprove.
30
Wisdom that is hid, and treasure that is hoarded up, what profit is in them both?
31
Better is he who hides his folly than a man that hides his wisdom.
32
Necessary patience in seeking the Lord is better than he who leads his life without
a guide.