Ben Sira 19:15

15 If you hear something bad about a friend, ask him about it. It might be a lie. Don't believe everything you hear.

Ben Sira 19:15 In-Context

13 If you hear that a friend has done something wrong, ask him about it. Maybe it isn't true. If it is true, he won't do it again.

14 If you hear that a neighbor has said something he shouldn't, ask him about it. Maybe he didn't say it. If he did, he won't say it again.

15 If you hear something bad about a friend, ask him about it. It might be a lie. Don't believe everything you hear.

16 A person may say something carelessly and not really mean it. Everyone has sinned in this way at one time or another.

17 If you hear something that makes you angry with your neighbor, ask him about it before you threaten him. Leave the matter to the Law of the Most High.