Ben Sira 20:13-23

13 A man wise in words shall make himself beloved: but the graces of fools shall be poured out.
14 The gift of the fool shall do thee no good: for his eyes are sevenfold.
15 He will give a few things, and upbraid much: and the opening of his mouth is the kindling of a fire.
16 To day a man lendeth, and to morrow he asketh it again: such a man as this is hateful.
17 A fool shall have no friend, and there shall be no thanks for his good deeds.
18 For they that eat his bread, are of a false tongue. How often, and how many will laugh him to scorn!
19 For he doth not distribute with right understanding that which was to be had: in like manner also that which was not to be had.
20 The slipping of a false tongue is as one that falleth on the pavement: so the fall of the wicked shall come speedily.
21 A man without grace is as a vain fable, it shall be continually in the mouth of the unwise.
22 A parable coming out, of a fool's mouth shall be rejected: for he doth not speak it in due season.
23 There is that is hindered from sinning through want, and in his rest he shall be pricked.
The Douay-Rheims Bible is in the public domain.