Sirach 20:1-8

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

20 There is a rebuke that is untimely,
    and there is the person who is wise enough to keep silent.^(A)
2 How much better it is to rebuke than to fume!^(B)
3 And the one who admits his fault will be kept from ridicule.^(C)
4 Like a eunuch lusting to violate a young woman
    is the person who makes decisions under compulsion.^(D)
5 Some people keep silent and are found^[a] to be wise,
    while others are detested for being talkative.^(E)
6 Some people keep silent because they have nothing to say,
    while others keep silent because they know when to speak.^(F)
7 The wise remain silent until the right moment,
    but the arrogant and the fool miss the right moment.^(G)
8 Whoever talks too much is detested,
    and whoever pretends to authority is hated.^[b](H)