Sirach 23:12-14

Good News Translation

Filthy Talk

¹² There is one way of speaking that is like death itself—may no Israelite ever be guilty of it! Devout people do not wallow in such sin, and they will keep away from such behavior. ¹³ Don't fall into the habit of coarse, profane talk; it is sinful. ¹⁴ You might forget yourself while in the company of important people and make a fool of yourself with some foul word that comes to you naturally. Think how your parents would feel! You would curse the day you were born and wish you were dead!