Ben Sira 4:19-29

19 If they go astray she will forsake them, and hand them over to their ruin.
20 Watch for the opportune time, and beware of evil, and do not be ashamed to be yourself.
21 For there is a shame that leads to sin, and there is a shame that is glory and favor.
22 Do not show partiality, to your own harm, or deference, to your downfall.
23 Do not refrain from speaking at the proper moment, and do not hide your wisdom.
24 For wisdom becomes known through speech, and education through the words of the tongue.
25 Never speak against the truth, but be ashamed of your ignorance.
26 Do not be ashamed to confess your sins, and do not try to stop the current of a river.
27 Do not subject yourself to a fool, or show partiality to a ruler.
28 Fight to the death for truth, and the Lord God will fight for you.
29 Do not be reckless in your speech, or sluggish and remiss in your deeds.

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. Heb: Gk [at a time of salvation]
  • [b]. So some Gk Mss and Heb Syr Lat: Other Gk Mss lack [and do not hide your wisdom]
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.