Sirach 22:13

13 Don't talk a lot with fools, and don't go to the unintelligent. Be on guard against them so that you don't have trouble and don't get dirty when they shake themselves off. Stay away from them and you will find rest, and their senselessness won't make you weary.

Sirach 22:13 In-Context

11 Weep for the dead, for they have left the light behind; and weep for fools, for they have left understanding behind. Weep sweetly over the dead, because they are at rest, but the life of a fool is worse than death.

12 Mourn for the dead for seven days, but mourn for the foolish and the ungodly all the days of their lives.

13 Don't talk a lot with fools, and don't go to the unintelligent. Be on guard against them so that you don't have trouble and don't get dirty when they shake themselves off. Stay away from them and you will find rest, and their senselessness won't make you weary.

14 What's heavier than lead? And what name does it have but "Fool"?

15 Sand, salt, and a lump of iron are easier to bear than an unintelligent person.

Footnotes

• [a]. LXXb adds When people are senseless, they will bring everything of yours to nothing.