Ben Sira 19:10-20

10 Have you heard something? Let it die with you. Be brave, it will not make you burst!

11 Having heard something, the fool suffers birth pangs like a woman in labor with a child.

12 Like an arrow stuck in a person's thigh, so is gossip inside a fool.

13 Question a friend; perhaps he did not do it; or if he did, so that he may not do it again.

14 Question a neighbor; perhaps he did not say it; or if he said it, so that he may not repeat it.

15 Question a friend, for often it is slander; so do not believe everything you hear.

16 A person may make a slip without intending it. Who has not sinned with his tongue?

17 Question your neighbor before you threaten him; and let the law of the Most High take its course.

20 The whole of wisdom is fear of the Lord, and in all wisdom there is the fulfillment of the law.

Footnotes

• [a]. Other ancient authorities add [and do not be angry. +V18+WThe fear of the Lord is the beginning of acceptance, and wisdom obtains his love. +V19+WThe knowledge of the Lord's commandments is life-giving discipline; and those who do what is pleasing to him enjoy the fruit of the tree of immortality.]
• [b]. Other ancient authorities add [and the knowledge of his omnipotence. +V21+WWhen a slave says to his master, "I will not act as you wish," even if later he does it, he angers the one who supports him.]