The In-Dept Study of the Bible
Son of Sirach 20
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 †
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 andis 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,‡
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!§
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.