Sirach 23:12-15

Common English Bible

¹² There is a way of speaking
that’s comparable to death;
    don’t let it be found
    among Jacob’s descendants.
    All these things will stay far away
    from the godly,
    and they will not wallow in their sins.
¹³     Don’t grow accustomed
    to saying coarse things,
    because to do so is to engage
    in sinful speech.
¹⁴ Remember your father and mother,
        because you sit in the council
        among officials.
    This way, you won’t forget yourself
    in front of them
        and act foolishly out of habit—
    then you’d wish
    that you hadn’t been born,
        and you’d curse the day of your birth.
¹⁵ People who are accustomed
to reproachful words
    will never learn anything
    their whole life.