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Some people keep silent and are found[a] to be wise,
    while others are detested for being talkative.(A)
Some people keep silent because they have nothing to say,
    while others keep silent because they know when to speak.(B)
The wise remain silent until the right moment,
    but the arrogant and the fool miss the right moment.(C)

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Footnotes

  1. 20.5 Gk: Heb thought
'Sirach 20:5-7' not found for the version: New International Version.

19 A coarse person is like an inappropriate story,
    continually on the lips of the ignorant.(A)

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'Sirach 20:19' not found for the version: New International Version.

20 A proverb from a fool’s lips will be rejected,
    for he does not tell it at the proper time.(A)

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'Sirach 20:20' not found for the version: New International Version.

a time to tear and a time to sew;
a time to keep silent and a time to speak;(A)

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    a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent(A) and a time to speak,

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13 Therefore the prudent will keep silent in such a time,
    for it is an evil time.

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13 Therefore the prudent keep quiet(A) in such times,
    for the times are evil.(B)

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