Ben Sira 28:12-22

12 You can blow on a spark to make it glow, or you can spit on it to put it out. Either way, you do it with your mouth.
13 Gossips and liars deserve to be cursed, because they have been the ruin of many people who were minding their own business. 1
14 Many have had their lives ruined and have been driven from their homes because of people who meddled in their business. Such unwanted interference has resulted in the destruction of strong cities and the homes of respected people.
15 Meddlers have caused faithful wives to be divorced, robbed of everything they had worked for.
16 Anyone who pays attention to slander can never find peace of mind.
17 A whip can raise a welt, but a vicious tongue can break bones.
18 More people have died as a result of loose talk than were ever killed by swords.
19 Count yourself lucky if you have been spared the experience of having irresponsible talk directed against you - if you have never had that iron yoke around your neck or those heavy chains on your legs.
21 Slander leads to a miserable death; but in fact, you'd be better off dead.
22 Devout people, however, cannot be overcome by slander; they cannot be burned by its flames.

Cross References 1

  • 1. 28.13-26Ben Sira 51.2-6;James 3.5-12.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.