English Bible
Sirach 20
Big screen- 1There is a reproof that is not comely: again, some man holds his tongue, and he is wise.
- 2It is much better to reprove, than to be angry secretly: and he that confesses his fault shall be preserved from hurt.
- 3How good is it, when you are reproved, to show repentance! for so shall you escape wilful sin.
- 4As is the lust of an eunuch to deflower a virgin; so is he that executes judgment with violence.
- 5There is one that keeps silence, and is found wise: and another by much babbling becomes hateful.
- 6Some man holds his tongue, because he has not to answer: and some keeps silence, knowing his time.
- 7A wise man will hold his tongue till he see opportunity: but a babbler and a fool will regard no time.
- 8He that uses many words shall be abhorred; and he that takes to himself authority therein shall be hated.
- 9There is a sinner that has good success in evil things; and there is a gain that turns to loss.
- 10There is a gift that shall not profit you; and there is a gift whose recompence is double.
- 11There is an abasement because of glory; and there is that lifts up his head from a low estate.
- 12There is that buys much for a little, and repays it sevenfold.
- 13A wise man by his words makes him beloved: but the graces of fools shall be poured out.
- 14The gift of a fool shall do you no good when you have it; neither yet of the envious for his necessity: for he looks to receive many things for one.
- 15He gives little, and upbraids much; he opens his mouth like a crier; to day he lends, and to morrow will he ask it again: such an one is to be hated of God and man.
- 16The fool says, I have no friends, I have no thank for all my good deeds, and they that eat my bread speak evil of me.
- 17How often, and of how many shall he be laughed to scorn! for he knows not aright what it is to have; and it is all one to him as if he had it not.
- 18To slip upon a pavement is better than to slip with the tongue: so the fall of the wicked shall come speedily.
- 19An unseasonable tale will always be in the mouth of the unwise.
- 20A wise sentence shall be rejected when it comes out of a fool's mouth; for he will not speak it in due season.
- 21There is that is hindered from sinning through lack: and when he takes rest, he shall not be troubled.
- 22There is that destroys his own soul through bashfulness, and by accepting of persons overthrows himself.
- 23There is that for bashfulness promises to his friend, and makes him his enemy for nothing.
- 24A lie is a foul blot in a man, yet it is continually in the mouth of the untaught.
- 25A thief is better than a man that is accustomed to lie: but they both shall have destruction to heritage.
- 26The disposition of a liar is dishonourable, and his shame is ever with him.
- 27A wise man shall promote himself to honor with his words: and he that has understanding will please great men.
- 28He that tills his land shall increase his heap: and he that pleases great men shall get pardon for iniquity.
- 29Presents and gifts blind the eyes of the wise, and stop up his mouth that he can’t reprove.
- 30Wisdom that is hid, and treasure that is hoarded up, what profit is in them both?
- 31Better is he that hides his folly than a man that hides his wisdom.
- 32Necessary patience in seeking the Lord is better than he that leads his life without a guide.