Ben Sira 19:15-25

15 Question a friend, for often it is slander; so do not believe everything you hear.

16 A person may make a slip without intending it. Who has never sinned with his tongue?

17 Question your neighbor before you threaten him; and let the law of the Most High take its course.

20 All wisdom is the fear of the Lord, and in all wisdom there is the fulfilment of the law.

22 But the knowledge of wickedness is not wisdom, nor is there prudence where sinners take counsel.

23 There is a cleverness which is abominable, but there is a fool who merely lacks wisdom.

24 Better is the God-fearing man who lacks intelligence, than the highly prudent man who transgresses the law.

25 There is a cleverness which is scrupulous but unjust, and there are people who distort kindness to gain a verdict.