Sirach 20 - New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition 2021(NRSVUE)

Sirach 20Silence and Speech

1 to be wise,

while others are detested for being talkative.

6 Paradoxes

9There may be good fortune for a person in adversity,

and a windfall may result in a loss.

10There is the gift that profits you nothing

and the gift to be paid back double.

11

but the courtesies of fools are wasted.

14A fool’s gift will profit you nothing,

for he looks for recompense sevenfold.

15

16The fool says, “I have no friends,

and I get no thanks for my good deeds.”

Those who eat his bread are evil-tongued.

17How many will ridicule him, and how often!Inappropriate Speech

18

23One may make promises to a friend out of shame

and so make an enemy for nothing.

Lying

24

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