Ben Sira 20:2-12

2 How much better it is to rebuke than to fume!

3 And the one who admits his fault will be kept from failure.

4 Like a eunuch lusting to violate a girl is the person who does right under compulsion.

5 Some people keep silent and are thought to be wise, while others are detested for being talkative.

6 Some people keep silent because they have nothing to say, while others keep silent because they know when to speak.

7 The wise remain silent until the right moment, but a boasting fool misses the right moment.

8 Whoever talks too much is detested, and whoever pretends to authority is hated.

9 There may be good fortune for a person in adversity, and a windfall may result in a loss.

10 There is the gift that profits you nothing, and the gift to be paid back double.

11 There are losses for the sake of glory, and there are some who have raised their heads from humble circumstances.

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

Footnotes

• [a] Other ancient authorities add [How good it is to show repentance when you are reproved, for so you will escape deliberate sin!]