Ben Sira 20:14

14 If such a person gives you something, it won't do any good; it won't be as valuable as he thinks it is.

Ben Sira 20:14 In-Context

12 Sometimes what seems like a real bargain can turn out to be a very expensive mistake.

13 When a person with good judgment speaks, he wins friends. A stupid person, though, can shower compliments on everybody, and it won't help him a bit.

14 If such a person gives you something, it won't do any good; it won't be as valuable as he thinks it is.

15 He isn't generous with anything but criticism, which he will shout for all the world to hear. If he lends you something today, he'll want it back tomorrow. (Don't you hate people like that?)

16 Then that fool will say, "Nobody likes me. Nobody appreciates what I do for them. They'll take what I give them, but then talk about me behind my back."

Footnotes

• [a]. it won't be . . . it is; [or] he only expects to be repaid.