Sirach 22:14-16

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

¹⁴What is heavier than lead?
And what is its name except “Fool”?
¹⁵Sand, salt, and a piece of iron
are easier to bear than a stupid person.

¹⁶A wooden beam firmly bonded into a building
is not loosened by an earthquake;
so the mind firmly resolved after due reflection
will not be afraid in a crisis.

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New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)

New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.