Sirach 20:9-17

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

⁹ There may be good fortune for a person in adversity,
    and a windfall may result in a loss.
¹⁰ There is the gift that profits you nothing
    and the gift to be paid back double.
¹¹ There are losses for the sake of glory,
    and there are some who have raised their heads from humble circumstances.^(A)
12 Some buy much for little
    but pay for it seven times over.
¹³ The wise make themselves beloved by only few words,^[a]
    but the courtesies of fools are wasted.^(B)
14 A fool’s gift will profit you nothing,^[b]
    for he looks for recompense sevenfold.^[c]
15 He gives little and insults much;
    he opens his mouth like a town crier.
Today he lends, and tomorrow he asks it back;
    such a one is hateful.^[d](C)
16 The fool says, “I have no friends,
    and I get no thanks for my good deeds.”
    Those who eat his bread are evil-tongued.
¹⁷ How many will ridicule him, and how often!^[e]