Ben Sira 11:1-9

1 The wisdom of the humble lifts their heads high, and seats them among the great.
2 Do not praise individuals for their good looks, or loathe anyone because of appearance alone.
3 The bee is small among flying creatures, but what it produces is the best of sweet things.
4 Do not boast about wearing fine clothes, and do not exalt yourself when you are honored; for the works of the Lord are wonderful, and his works are concealed from humankind.
5 Many kings have had to sit on the ground, but one who was never thought of has worn a crown.
6 Many rulers have been utterly disgraced, and the honored have been handed over to others.
7 Do not find fault before you investigate; examine first, and then criticize.
8 Do not answer before you listen, and do not interrupt when another is speaking.
9 Do not argue about a matter that does not concern you, and do not sit with sinners when they judge a case.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.