When to Speak
Wisdom of Sirach 20, verse 1. There is a rebuke which is not timely, And there is he who is silent but has discernment. Wisdom of Sirach 20, verse 2. How much better it is to rebuke than to seethe with anger. Wisdom of Sirach 20, verse 3. He who confesses his fault will be kept from loss. Wisdom of Sirach 20, verse 4. Like the desire of a eunuch to violate a maiden, So is the man who executes justice by violence. Wisdom of Sirach 20, verse 5. There is a man who is silent but is found to be wise, And there is a man who is hateful because he talks too much. Wisdom of Sirach 20, verse 6. There is a man who is silent because he has no answer, And there is a man who is silent because he knows when to speak. Wisdom of Sirach 20, verse 7. A wise man will keep silent until it is the right time to speak, But an arrogant and undiscerning man will speak out of turn. Wisdom of Sirach 20, verse 8. The man who talks too much will be detested, And the man who stands on his rights will be hated.
Buying and Selling
Wisdom of Sirach 20, verse 9. There is prosperity in the midst of adversities, But there is also a sum realized by a sale for a loss. Wisdom of Sirach 20, verse 10. There is a gift that will not profit you, And there is a gift where the repayment is double. Wisdom of Sirach 20, verse 11. There is a loss because of glory, And there is a man who raises his head from a humble state. Wisdom of Sirach 20, verse 12. There is a man who buys much with little, But pays for it sevenfold. Wisdom of Sirach 20, verse 13. A wise man will make himself beloved through his words, But the kindnesses of fools will be forgotten. Wisdom of Sirach 20, verse 14. The gift of a senseless man will not benefit you, For his eyes are many instead of one. Wisdom of Sirach 20, verse 15. He will give little but insult much, And he will open his mouth like a herald. Today he will lend but tomorrow he will demand it back; Such a man is hateful.
A Man without Grace
Wisdom of Sirach 20, verse 16. A fool will say, “I have no friend, And I get no thanks for my good deeds. Wisdom of Sirach 20, verse 17. Those who eat my bread are worthless in their speech.” How many will laugh scornfully at him, and how often? Wisdom of Sirach 20, verse 18. A slip on the ground is better than a slip of the tongue; Thus the downfall of evil will come speedily. Wisdom of Sirach 20, verse 19. A man without grace is like a story told at the wrong time; It will continue on the lips of the ignorant. Wisdom of Sirach 20, verse 20. A parable from the lips of a fool will be rejected, For he does not tell it at its proper time.
Commentary on Sinners
Wisdom of Sirach 20, verse 21. There is one who is hindered from sinning because of his poverty, So when he rests, he will not be pierced with sorrow. Wisdom of Sirach 20, verse 22. There is one who may lose his life through shame, Or lose it because of his foolish countenance. Wisdom of Sirach 20, verse 23. There is one who makes a promise to a friend because of shame, And needlessly gains him as an enemy. Wisdom of Sirach 20, verse 24. A lie is an evil disgrace in a man; It will continue on the lips of the ignorant. Wisdom of Sirach 20, verse 25. A thief is preferable to a continual liar; Both, however, will inherit destruction. Wisdom of Sirach 20, verse 26. The character of a liar brings dishonor, And his shame is continually with him.
Ways of the Wise
Wisdom of Sirach 20, verse 27. A wise man will advance himself with his words, And a man with discernment will please great men. Wisdom of Sirach 20, verse 28. A man who works the earth will raise up his harvest, And he who pleases great men will atone for wrongdoing. Wisdom of Sirach 20, verse 29. Presents and gifts blind the eyes of the wise, And like a muzzle on the mouth they turn aside rebukes. Wisdom of Sirach 20, verse 30. Wisdom hidden and unseen treasure: What profit is there in either of them? Wisdom of Sirach 20, verse 31. Better is the man who hides his foolishness Than a man who hides his wisdom.