Old Testament

New Testament

Sirach 20:5-13 World English Bible (WEB)

5. There is one that keeps silence, and is found wise; And there is one that is hated for his much talk.

6. There is one that keeps silence, for he has no answer to make; And there is that keeps silence, as knowing his time.

7. A wise man will be silent till his time come; But the braggart and fool will overpass his time.

8. He that uses many words shall be abhorred; And he that takes to himself authority therein shall be hated.

9. There is a prosperity that a man finds in misfortunes; And there is a gain that turns to loss.

10. There is a gift that shall not profit you; And there is a gift whose recompense is double.

11. There is an abasement because of glory; And there is that has lifted up his head from a low estate.

12. There is that buys much for a little, And pays for it again sevenfold.

13. He that is wise in words shall make himself beloved; But the pleasantries of fools shall be wasted.

Read complete chapter Sirach 20