> [[sirach-19|← Previous]] | [[sirach-00|TOC]] | [[sirach-21|Next →]] --- # Sirach, Chapter 20 ## Chapter 20 ### Conduct of the Wise and the Foolish 1 There is an admonition that is untimely, ^sirach-20-1 but the silent person is the wise one. 2 It is much better to admonish than to lose one’s temper; ^sirach-20-2 3 one who admits a fault will be kept from disgrace. ^sirach-20-3 4 Like a eunuch lusting to violate a young woman ^sirach-20-4 is the one who does right under compulsion. 5 One is silent and is thought wise; ^sirach-20-5 another, for being talkative, is disliked. 6 One is silent, having nothing to say; ^sirach-20-6 another is silent, biding his time. 7 The wise remain silent till the right time comes, ^sirach-20-7 but a boasting fool misses the proper time. 8 Whoever talks too much is detested; ^sirach-20-8 whoever pretends to authority is hated. 9 There is the misfortune that brings success; ^sirach-20-9 and there is the gain that turns into loss. 10 There is the gift that profits you nothing, ^sirach-20-10 and there is the gift that must be paid back double. 11 There is the loss for the sake of glory, ^sirach-20-11 and there is the one who rises above humble circumstances. 12 There is one who buys much for little, ^sirach-20-12 but pays for it seven times over. 13 The wise make themselves beloved by a few words, ^sirach-20-13 but the courtesies of fools are wasted. 14 A gift from a fool will do you no good, ^sirach-20-14 for in his eyes this one gift is equal to many. 15 He gives little, criticizes often, ^sirach-20-15 and opens his mouth like a town crier. He lends today and asks for it tomorrow; such a person is hateful. 16 A fool says, “I have no friends ^sirach-20-16 nor thanks for my generosity.” Those who eat his bread have a mocking tongue. 17 How many will ridicule him, and how often! ^sirach-20-17 18 A slip on the floor is better than a slip of the tongue; ^sirach-20-18 in like manner the downfall of the wicked comes quickly. 19 A coarse person, an untimely story; ^sirach-20-19 the ignorant are always ready to offer it. 20 A proverb spoken by a fool is unwelcome, ^sirach-20-20 for he does not tell it at the proper time. 21 There is a person whose poverty prevents him from sinning, ^sirach-20-21 but when he takes his rest he has no regrets. 22 There is a person who is destroyed through shame, ^sirach-20-22 and ruined by foolish posturing. 23 There is one who promises a friend out of shame, ^sirach-20-23 and so makes an enemy needlessly. 24 A lie is a foul blot in a person, ^sirach-20-24 yet it is always on the lips of the ignorant. 25 A thief is better than an inveterate liar, ^sirach-20-25 yet both will suffer ruin. 26 A liar’s way leads to dishonor, ^sirach-20-26 and his shame remains ever with him. 27 The wise gain promotion with few words, ^sirach-20-27 the prudent please the great. 28 Those who work the land have abundant crops, ^sirach-20-28 and those who please the great are pardoned their faults. 29 Favors and gifts blind the eyes; ^sirach-20-29 like a muzzle over the mouth they silence reproofs. 30 Hidden wisdom and unseen treasure— ^sirach-20-30 what value has either? 31 Better are those who hide their folly ^sirach-20-31 than those who hide their wisdom. \* (20:1] – [8) The wise know the proper times for speech and silence, that is, the occasions when the most benefit can be gained from them. On the ambiguity of silences, see [Prv 17:27] – [28]. \* (20:4) Force can prevent an external act of sin or compel a good deed, but it does not eliminate the internal sin or desire of wrongdoing. \* (20:9] – [17) In a series of paradoxes the author indicates how much true and lasting values differ from apparent ones. \* (20:18] – [26) The ill-timed speech brings disaster (vv. [18] – [20]); human respect may lead to rash promises and enmity (vv. [22] – [23]); lies bring dishonor and lasting disgrace (vv. [24] – [26]). \* (20:27] – [31) Through prudent speech the wise gain honor and esteem among the great (vv. [27] – [28]). They must beware, however, of accepting bribes, lest they share in evil through silence when they should reprove (vv. [29] – [31]). † (20:31) Other ancient texts read as v. 32: It is better to await the inevitable while serving the Lord than to be the ungoverned helmsman for the careening of one’s life. a. (20:5] – [6) [Prv 17:27] – [28]. b. (20:29) ([[exodus-23|Ex 23]]:8]; [Dt 16:19]. --- _New American Bible, revised edition_ (2010, 1991, 1986, 1970) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. > [[sirach-19|← Previous]] | [[sirach-00|TOC]] | [[sirach-21|Next →]]