Sirach 22:9-18
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Wisdom and Folly
9 Whoever teaches a fool is like one who glues potsherds together
or who rouses a sleeper from deep slumber.
10 Whoever tells a story to a fool tells it to a drowsy man,
and at the end he will say, “What is it?”
11 Weep for the dead, for they have left the light behind,
and weep for the fool, for they have left intelligence behind.
Weep less bitterly for the dead, for they are at rest,
but the life of the fool is worse than death.(A)
12 Mourning for the dead lasts seven days,
but for the foolish or the ungodly it lasts all the days of their lives.(B)
13 Do not talk much with senseless people
or visit unintelligent people.[a]
Stay clear of them, or you may have trouble
and be spattered when they shake themselves off.
Avoid them and you will find rest,
and you will never be wearied by their lack of sense.
14 What is heavier than lead?
And what is its name except “Fool”?
15 Sand, salt, and a piece of iron
are easier to bear than a stupid person.(C)
16 A 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.(D)
17 A mind settled on an intelligent thought
is like plaster decoration that makes a wall smooth.
18 Fences[b] set on a high place
will not stand firm against the wind;
so a timid mind with a fool’s resolve
will not stand firm against any fear.(E)
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.