Ben Sira 20:13

13 The wise man makes himself beloved through his words, but the courtesies of fools are wasted.

Ben Sira 20:13 In-Context

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.
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.