Ben Sira 23:12

12 There is one way of speaking that is like death itself - may no Israelite ever be guilty of it! Devout people do not wallow in such sin, and they will keep away from such behavior.

Ben Sira 23:12 In-Context

10 A slave who is constantly beaten will never be free of bruises; someone who is always taking an oath by the Holy Name will never be free of sin.

11 Anyone who takes oaths all the time is sinful to the core, and punishment is never far away from his household. If he fails to fulfill his oath, he is guilty. If he ignores his oath, he is twice as guilty. If his oath was insincere in the first place, he cannot be pardoned and will have a house full of trouble.

12 There is one way of speaking that is like death itself - may no Israelite ever be guilty of it! Devout people do not wallow in such sin, and they will keep away from such behavior.

13 Don't fall into the habit of coarse, profane talk; it is sinful.

14 You might forget yourself while in the company of important people and make a fool of yourself with some foul word that comes to you naturally. Think how your parents would feel! You would curse the day you were born and wish you were dead