Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 20

20:1

There is a reproof that is not timely;

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20:2

How good is it to reprove, rather than to be angry.

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20:4

As is the lust of a eunuch to deflower a virgin,

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20:5

There is one who keeps silent and is found wise;

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20:6

There is one who keeps silent, for he has no answer to make;

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20:7

A wise man will be silent until his time has come,

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20:8

He who uses many words will be abhorred.

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20:9

There is a prosperity that a man finds in misfortunes;

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20:10

There is a gift that will not profit you;

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20:11

There are losses because of glory;

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20:12

There is one who buys much for a little,

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20:13

He who is wise in words will make himself beloved;

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20:14

The gift of a fool will not profit you,

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20:15

He will give little and insult much.

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20:16

The fool will say, “I have no friend,

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20:17

How often, and of how many, will he be laughed to scorn!

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20:18

A slip on a pavement is better than a slip with the tongue.

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20:19

A man without grace is a tale out of season.

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20:20

A parable from a fool’s mouth will be rejected;

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20:21

There is one who is hindered from sinning through lack.

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20:22

There is one who destroys his soul through bashfulness.

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20:23

There is one who for bashfulness makes promises to his friend;

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20:24

A lie is an ugly blot on a person.

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20:25

A thief is better than a man who is continually lying,

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20:26

The destination of a liar is dishonour.

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20:27

He who is wise in words will advance himself.

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20:28

He who tills his land will raise his harvest high.

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20:29

Favours and gifts blind the eyes of the wise,

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20:30

Wisdom that is hidden, and treasure that is out of sight—

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20:31

Better is a man who hides his folly

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