Ben Sira 20:14

14 A fool's gift will profit you nothing, for he looks for recompense sevenfold.

Ben Sira 20:14 In-Context

12 Some buy much for little, but pay for it seven times over.

13 The wise make themselves beloved by only few words, but the courtesies of fools are wasted.

14 A fool's gift will profit you nothing, for he looks for recompense sevenfold.

15 He gives little and upbraids much; he opens his mouth like a town crier. Today he lends and tomorrow he asks it back; such a one is hateful to God and humans.

16 The fool says, "I have no friends, and I get no thanks for my good deeds. Those who eat my bread are evil-tongued."

Footnotes

• [a] Other ancient authorities add [so it is with the envious who give under compulsion]
• [b] Syr: Gk [he has many eyes instead of one]