Ben Sira 22:13-23

13 Talk not much with a fool, and go not to him that hath no understanding: beware of him, lest thou have trouble, and thou shalt never be defiled with his fooleries; depart from him, and thou shalt find rest, and never be disquieted with madness.
14 What is heavier than lead? And what is the name thereof, but a fool?
15 Sand and salt and a mass of iron is easier to bear than a man without understanding.
16 As timber girt and bound together in a building cannot be loosed with shaking, so the heart that is established by advised counsel shall fear at no time.
17 A heart settled upon a thought of understanding is as a fair plastering on the wall of a gallery.
18 Fences set on a high place will never stand against the wind; so a fearful heart in the imagination of a fool cannot stand against any fear.
19 He that pricketh the eye will make tears to fall, and he that pricketh the heart maketh it to show her knowledge.
20 Whoso casteth a stone at the birds frightens them away, and he that upbraideth his friend breaketh friendship.
21 Though thou drewest a sword at thy friend, yet despair not; for there may be a returning to favor.
22 If thou hast opened thy mouth against thy friend, fear not, for there may be a reconciliation except for upbraiding or pride or disclosing of secrets or a treacherous wound, for, for these things every friend will depart.
23 Be faithful to thy neighbor in his poverty, that thou mayest rejoice in his prosperity. Abide steadfast unto him in the time of his trouble, that thou mayest be heir with him in his heritage; for a mean estate is not always to be contemned, nor the rich that is foolish to be held in admiration.
Third Millennium Bible (TMB), New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc., Gary, SD 57237. All rights reserved.