Ben Sira 20:20

20 A proverb from a fool's lips will be rejected, for he does not tell it at its proper time.

Ben Sira 20:20 In-Context

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.
20 A proverb from a fool's lips will be rejected, for he does not tell it at its proper time.
21 A man may be prevented from sinning by his poverty, so when he rests he feels no remorse.
22 A man may lose his life through shame, or lose it because of his foolish look.
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.