Sirach 19:4-17
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Against Loose Talk
4 One who trusts quickly has a shallow mind,
and one who sins does wrong to himself.
5 One who rejoices in wickedness[a] will be condemned,[b]
6 but one who hates discussion lacks understanding.(A)
7 Never repeat a conversation,
and you will lose nothing at all.
8 With friend or foe do not report it,
and unless it would be a sin for you do not reveal it,
9 for someone may have heard you and watched you
and in time will hate you.
10 Have you heard something? Let it die with you.
Be brave; it will not make you burst!(B)
11 Having heard something, the fool suffers birth pangs
like a woman in labor with a child.
12 Like an arrow stuck in a person’s thigh,
so is gossip in the belly of a fool.(C)
13 Question a friend; perhaps he did not do it;
or if he did, so that he may not do it again.(D)
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?(E)
17 Question your neighbor before you threaten him,
and make room for the law of the Most High.[c](F)
Footnotes
- 19.5 Other ancient authorities read heart
- 19.5 Other ancient authorities add but one who withstands pleasures crowns his life.
One who controls the tongue will live without strife, - 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.
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.