15
My son, do not mix reproach with your good deeds, nor cause grief by your words when you present a gift.
16
Does not the dew assuage the scorching heat? So a word is better than a gift.
17
Indeed, does not a word surpass a good gift? Both are to be found in a gracious man.
18
A fool is ungracious and abusive, and the gift of a grudging man makes the eyes dim.
19
Before you speak, learn, and before you fall ill, take care of your health.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the 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.