Ben Sira 19:17-27

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.

26 There is a rascal bowed down in mourning, but inwardly he is full of deceit.

27 He hides his face and pretends not to hear; but where no one notices, he will forestall you.