Sirach 19:20-30

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

²⁰ The whole of wisdom is fear of the Lord,
    and in all wisdom there is the fulfillment of the law.^[a](A)
22 The knowledge of wickedness is not wisdom,
    nor is there prudence in the counsel of sinners.^(B)
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.^(C)
25 There is a cleverness that is exact but unjust,
    and there are people who abuse favors to gain a verdict.^[b]
26 There are villains bowed down in mourning,
    but inwardly they are full of deceit.^(D)
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.^(E)
30 People’s attire and hearty laughter
    and the way they walk proclaim things about them.^(F)