Sirach 19:13-30
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
13 Question a friend; perhaps he did not do it;
or if he did, so that he may not do it again.(A)
14 Question a neighbor; perhaps he did not say it;
or if he said it, so that he may not repeat it.
15 Question a friend, for often it is slander;
so do not believe every word.
16 A person may make a slip without intending it.
Who has not sinned with his tongue?(B)
17 Question your neighbor before you threaten him,
and make room for the law of the Most High.[a](C)
True and False Wisdom
20 The whole of wisdom is fear of the Lord,
and in all wisdom there is the fulfillment of the law.[b](D)
22 The knowledge of wickedness is not wisdom,
nor is there prudence in the counsel of sinners.(E)
23 There is a cleverness that is detestable,
and there is a fool who merely lacks wisdom.
24 Better are the God-fearing who lack understanding
than the highly intelligent who transgress the law.(F)
25 There is a cleverness that is exact but unjust,
and there are people who abuse favors to gain a verdict.[c]
26 There are villains bowed down in mourning,
but inwardly they are full of deceit.(G)
27 They hide their faces and pretend not to hear,
but when no one notices, they will take advantage of you.
28 Even if lack of strength keeps them from sinning,
they will nevertheless do evil when they find the opportunity.
29 People will be known by their appearances,
and sensible people will be known when first met face to face.(H)
30 People’s attire and hearty laughter
and the way they walk proclaim things about them.(I)
Footnotes
- 19.17 Other ancient authorities add and do not be angry.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of acceptance, and wisdom obtains his love. The knowledge of the Lord’s commandments is life-giving discipline, and those who do what is pleasing to him enjoy the fruit of the tree of immortality. - 19.20 Other ancient authorities add and the knowledge of his omnipotence.
When a slave says to his master, “I will not act as you wish,” even if later he does it, he angers the one who supports him. - 19.25 Other ancient authorities add and the one who justifies is wise in judgment.
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.