Ben Sira 19:20-27

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

22 The knowledge of wickedness is not wisdom, nor is there prudence in the counsel of sinners.

23 There is a cleverness that is detestable, and there is a fool who merely lacks wisdom.

24 Better are the God-fearing who lack understanding than the highly intelligent who transgress the law.

25 There is a cleverness that is exact but unjust, and there are people who abuse favors to gain a verdict.

26 There is the villain bowed down in mourning, but inwardly he is full of deceit.

27 He hides his face and pretends not to hear, but when no one notices, he will take advantage of you.

Footnotes

• [a]. 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.]