Ben Sira 41:14-22

14 My children, be true to your training and be at peace; hidden wisdom and unseen treasure— of what value is either?
15 Better are those who hide their folly than those who hide their wisdom.
16 Therefore show respect for my words; for it is not good to feel shame in every circumstance, nor is every kind of abashment to be approved.
17 Be ashamed of sexual immorality, before your father or mother; and of a lie, before a prince or a ruler;
18 of a crime, before a judge or magistrate; and of a breach of the law, before the congregation and the people; of unjust dealing, before your partner or your friend;
19 and of theft, in the place where you live. Be ashamed of breaking an oath or agreement, and of leaning on your elbow at meals; of surliness in receiving or giving,
20 and of silence, before those who greet you; of looking at a prostitute,
21 and of rejecting the appeal of a relative; of taking away someone's portion or gift, and of gazing at another man's wife;
22 of meddling with his servant-girl— and do not approach her bed; of abusive words, before friends— and do not be insulting after making a gift.

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. Heb: Gk [and not everything is confidently esteemed by everyone]
  • [b]. Heb: Gk [before the truth of God and the covenant]
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.