Ben Sira 21:15-25

15 When a man of understanding hears a wise saying, he will praise it and add to it; when a reveler hears it, he dislikes it and casts it behind his back.
16 A fool's narration is like a burden on a journey, but delight will be found in the speech of the intelligent.
17 The utterance of a sensible man will be sought in the assembly, and they will ponder his words in their minds.
18 Like a house that has vanished, so is wisdom to a fool; and the knowledge of the ignorant is unexamined talk.
19 To a senseless man education is fetters on his feet, and like manacles on his right hand.
20 A fool raises his voice when he laughs, but a clever man smiles quietly.
21 To a sensible man education is like a golden ornament, and like a bracelet on the right arm.
22 The foot of a fool rushes into a house, but a man of experience stands respectfully before it.
23 A boor peers into the house from the door, but a cultivated man remains outside.
24 It is ill-mannered for a man to listen at a door, and a discreet man is grieved by the disgrace.
25 The lips of strangers will speak of these things, but the words of the prudent will be weighed in the balance.
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.