Ben Sira 20:9-19

9 There may be good fortune for a man in adversity, and a windfall may result in a loss.
10 There is a gift that profits you nothing, and there is a gift that brings a double return.
11 There are losses because of glory, and there are men who have raised their heads from humble circumstances.
12 There is a man who buys much for a little, but pays for it seven times over.
13 The wise man makes himself beloved through his words, but the courtesies of fools are wasted.
14 A fool's gift will profit you nothing, for he has many eyes instead of one.
15 He gives little and upbraids much, he opens his mouth like a herald; today he lends and tomorrow he asks it back; such a one is a hateful man.
16 A fool will say, "I have no friend, and there is no gratitude for my good deeds; those who eat my bread speak unkindly."
17 How many will ridicule him, and how often!
18 A slip on the pavement is better than a slip of the tongue; so the downfall of the wicked will occur speedily.
19 An ungracious man is like a story told at the wrong time, which is continually on the lips of the ignorant.
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.