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14 A fool’s gift will profit you nothing,[a]
    for he looks for recompense sevenfold.[b]
15 He gives little and upbraids much;
    he opens his mouth like a town crier.
Today he lends and tomorrow he asks for it back;
    such a one is hateful to God and humans.[c]
16 The fool says, ‘I have no friends,
    and I get no thanks for my good deeds.
    Those who eat my bread are evil-tongued.’

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Footnotes

  1. Sirach 20:14 Other ancient authorities add so it is with the envious who give under compulsion
  2. Sirach 20:14 Syr: Gk he has many eyes instead of one
  3. Sirach 20:15 Other ancient authorities lack to God and humans

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