Sirach 20
Reproving someone is better than becoming angry, as it allows for confession and correction. A person's character is revealed by their actions and words, with the wise knowing when to speak and when to remain silent. Those who speak out of turn or use many words can harm themselves and others, while those who are prudent and wise will be loved and respected. Gifts and favors can also be used to manipulate or harm others, and true wisdom is not about hiding one's foolishness, but about using one's knowledge and understanding to benefit oneself and others.
1How much better is it to reprove, than to become angry, so as not to hinder him who may confess in prayer2The lust of an eunuch will deflower a young maiden3similar is he who by violence gives an iniquitous judgment4How good it is, when you are corrected, to show contrition! For in this way, you will escape deliberate sin5There is one who, by remaining silent, is found to be wise. And there is another who is hateful and who provokes by speaking out6There is one who, not having the understanding to speak, remains silent. And there is another who remains silent, knowing the proper time7A wise man will remain silent until the proper time. But an unrestrained and imprudent person will not heed the times8Whoever uses many words will wound his own soul. And whoever unjustly takes authority upon himself will be hated9There is advancement in evil for an undisciplined man, and there is a plan which turns to his detriment10There is a gift which is not helpful, and there is a gift, the repayment for which is double11There is a loss for the sake of boasting, and there is one who will lift up his head from lowliness12There is one who buys much for a small price, and who pays it back sevenfold13Anyone wise in words makes himself loved. But the graces of the foolish will be poured away14A gift from the unwise will not benefit you. For his gaze is divided, sevenfold15He will give little, and reproach much. And the opening of his mouth is like a burning flame16There is one who lends today and demands repayment tomorrow. A man such as this is hateful17A foolish man will not have a friend, and there will be no thanks for his good deeds18For those who eat his bread have a false tongue. How often and how many are those who will ridicule him19For what he possesses, he does not distribute with correct understanding. And he acts similarly with what he does not possess20The slip of a false tongue is like someone who falls upon pavement. Such a fall for the wicked will arrive quickly21A disagreeable man is like a pointless fable; it will be continually in the mouth of the undisciplined22A parable from the mouth of a fool will be rejected. For he does not speak it at the proper time23There is one who is prevented from sinning by poverty, and in his rest, he will be vexed24There is one who will lose his own soul because of pretense, and he will lose it by an example of imprudence. For by seeking the approval of another, he will destroy himself25There is one who, for the sake of what others think, makes a promise to a friend, and so he gains him as an enemy for no reason26A lie is a wicked disgrace to a man, and yet lies will be continually in the mouths of those without discipline27A thief is better than a man who constantly lies. But both of them will inherit perdition28The habits of lying men are without honor. And their shame is with them without ceasing29A wise man will benefit himself by his own words, and a prudent man will please the powerful30Whoever works his land will raise high a stockpile of grain. And whoever works justice will himself be raised high. Yet truly, whoever pleases the powerful will escape unfair treatment31Presents and gifts blind the eyes of judges, and silence their mouths, turning them aside from their task of correction32Wisdom hidden, and treasure unseen: of what use is either of these33He who hides his foolishness is better than a man who conceals his wisdom
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