Ben Sira 34:26

26 If you fast because of your sins, and then go out and commit the same sins over again, what have you gained by going without food? Who do you think is going to listen to your prayers?

Ben Sira 34:26 In-Context

24 When one person blesses and somebody else curses, which one is the Lord going to listen to?
25 If you touch a dead body and then purify yourself by washing, but then go and touch it again, what good did the washing do?
26 If you fast because of your sins, and then go out and commit the same sins over again, what have you gained by going without food? Who do you think is going to listen to your prayers?
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.