Ben Sira 5:12

12 If thou hast understanding, answer thy neighbour; if not, lay thy hand upon thy mouth.

Ben Sira 5:12 In-Context

10 Be stedfast in thy understanding; and let thy word be the same.
11 Be swift to hear; and let thy life be sincere; and with patience give answer.
12 If thou hast understanding, answer thy neighbour; if not, lay thy hand upon thy mouth.
13 Honour and shame is in talk: and the tongue of man is his fall.
14 Be not called a whisperer, and lie not in wait with thy tongue: for a foul shame is upon the thief, and an evil condemnation upon the double tongue.
The King James Version is in the public domain.