Sirach 20:21-31
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
21 One may be prevented from sinning by poverty,
so when he rests he feels no remorse.(A)
22 One may lose his life through shame
or lose it because of a foolish person.[a](B)
23 One may make promises to a friend out of shame
and so make an enemy for nothing.
Lying
24 A lie is an ugly blot on a person;
it is continually on the lips of the ignorant.(C)
25 A thief is preferable to a habitual liar,
but both will inherit ruin.
26 The character of liars leads to disgrace,
and their shame is ever with them.
Proverbial Sayings[b]
27 Wise persons advance themselves by their words,
and those who are sensible please the great.(D)
28 Those who cultivate the soil heap up their harvest,
and those who please the great atone for injustice.(E)
29 Favors and gifts blind the eyes of the wise;
like a muzzle on the mouth they stop reproofs.(F)
30 Hidden wisdom and unseen treasure—
of what value is either?(G)
31 Better are those who hide their folly
than those who hide their wisdom.[c](H)
New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.