Sir 20

1 There is a reproof that is not comely: again, some man holds his tongue, and he is wise. 2 It is much better to reprove, than to be angry secretly: and he that confesses his faultshall be preserved from hurt. 3 How good is it, when you are reproved, to show repentance! for so shall you escape wilfulsin. 4 As is the lust of an eunuch to deflower a virgin; so is he that executes judgment withviolence. 5 There is one that keeps silence, and is found wise: and another by much babbling becomeshateful. 6 Some man holds his tongue, because he has not to answer: and some keeps silence, knowinghis time. 7 A wise man will hold his tongue till he see opportunity: but a babbler and a fool willregard no time. 8 He that uses many words shall be abhorred; and he that takes to himself authority thereinshall be hated. 9 There is a sinner that has good success in evil things; and there is a gain that turnsto 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 lowestate. 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 enviousfor his necessity: for he looks to receive many things for one. 15 He gives little, and upbraids 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 thateat my bread speak evil of me. 17 How often, and of how many shall he be laughed to scorn! for he knows not aright whatit 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 wickedshall 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 notspeak it in due season. 21 There is that is hindered from sinning through lack: and when he takes rest, he shallnot be troubled. 22 There is that destroys his own soul through bashfulness, and by accepting of personsoverthrows 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 destructionto heritage. 26 The disposition of a liar is dishonourable, and his shame is ever with him. 27 A wise man shall promote himself to honor with his words: and he that has understandingwill please great men. 28 He that tils his land shall increase his heap: and he that pleases great men shall getpardon for iniquity. 29 Presents and gifts blind the eyes of the wise, and stop up his mouth that he can’t reprove. 30 Wisdom that is hid, and treasure that is hoarded up, what profit is in them both? 31 Better is he that hides his folly than a man that hides his wisdom. 32 Necessary patience in seeking the Lord is better than he that leads his life withouta guide.