Ben Sira 20:6-16

6 Some people keep silent because they have nothing to say, while others keep silent because they know when to speak.
7 The wise remain silent until the right moment, but a boasting fool misses the right moment.
8 Whoever talks too much is detested, and whoever pretends to authority is hated.
9 There may be good fortune for a person in adversity, and a windfall may result in a loss.
10 There is the gift that profits you nothing, and the gift to be paid back double.
11 There are losses for the sake of glory, and there are some who have raised their heads from humble circumstances.
12 Some buy much for little, but pay for it seven times over.
13 The wise make themselves beloved by only few words, but the courtesies of fools are wasted.
14 A fool's gift will profit you nothing, for he looks for recompense sevenfold.
15 He gives little and upbraids much; he opens his mouth like a town crier. Today he lends and tomorrow he asks it back; such a one is hateful to God and humans.
16 The fool says, "I have no friends, and I get no thanks for my good deeds. Those who eat my bread are evil-tongued."

Footnotes 5

  • [a]. Other ancient authorities add [How good it is to show repentance when you are reproved, for so you will escape deliberate sin!]
  • [b]. Heb: Gk [by words]
  • [c]. Other ancient authorities add [so it is with the envious who give under compulsion]
  • [d]. Syr: Gk [he has many eyes instead of one]
  • [e]. Other ancient authorities lack [to God and humans]
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.