Ben Sira 32:9

9 Don't treat important people as if you were their equal and don't make a nuisance of yourself by asking them a lot of questions.

Ben Sira 32:9 In-Context

7 If you are young, don't speak unless you have to, but never more than twice, and only if someone speaks to you first.

8 Come to the point and say it all in a few words. Show that you are well-informed, but stay quiet.

9 Don't treat important people as if you were their equal and don't make a nuisance of yourself by asking them a lot of questions.

10 The reputation of a modest person goes before him, as lightning before thunder.

11 Leave the party at the right time and never be the last to go. Don't linger at the door; just go straight home.

Footnotes

• [a] [Hebrew] make . . . questions; [Greek] keep talking when someone else is speaking.