Sirach 27:5-8

Good News Translation

⁵ The way you think shows your character just as surely as a kiln shows any flaws in the pottery being fired. ^6 (A)You can tell how well a tree has been cared for by the fruit it bears, and you can tell a person's feelings by the way he expresses himself. ⁷ Never praise anyone before you hear him talk; that is the real test.

Honesty

⁸ If you try to be honest, you can be, and it will improve your character as handsome clothing improves your appearance.