Sirach 5:9-14

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

⁹ Do not winnow in every wind,
    or follow every path.^[a]
10 Stand firm for what you know,
    and let your speech be consistent.
¹¹ Be quick to hear,
    but deliberate in answering.
¹² If you know what to say, answer your neighbor;
    but if not, put your hand over your mouth.

¹³ Honor and dishonor come from speaking,
    and the tongue of mortals may be their downfall.
¹⁴ Do not be called double-tongued^[b]
    and do not lay traps with your tongue;
for shame comes to the thief,
    and severe condemnation to the double-tongued.