Ben Sira 20:2-12

2 How much better it is to reprove than to stay angry! And the one who confesses his fault will be kept from loss.

4 Like a eunuch's desire to violate a maiden is a man who executes judgments by violence.

5 There is one who by keeping silent is found wise, while another is detested for being too talkative.

6 There is one who keeps silent because he has no answer, while another keeps silent because he knows when to speak.

7 A wise man will be silent until the right moment, but a braggart and fool goes beyond the right moment.

8 Whoever uses too many words will be loathed, and whoever usurps the right to speak will be hated.

9 There may be good fortune for a man in adversity, and a windfall may result in a loss.

10 There is a gift that profits you nothing, and there is a gift that brings a double return.

11 There are losses because of glory, and there are men who have raised their heads from humble circumstances.

12 There is a man who buys much for a little, but pays for it seven times over.