Ben Sira 19:22-27

22 But the knowledge of wickedness is not wisdom, nor is there prudence where sinners take counsel.
23 There is a cleverness which is abominable, but there is a fool who merely lacks wisdom.
24 Better is the God-fearing man who lacks intelligence, than the highly prudent man who transgresses the law.
25 There is a cleverness which is scrupulous but unjust, and there are people who distort kindness to gain a verdict.
26 There is a rascal bowed down in mourning, but inwardly he is full of deceit.
27 He hides his face and pretends not to hear; but where no one notices, he will forestall you.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the 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.