Sirach 27:4-6

Common English Bible

⁴ When a sieve is shaken,
rubbish remains behind;
    so in the process of reasoning,
    a person’s flaws appear.
⁵ A kiln tests a potter’s jars,
    and decision making tests a person.
⁶ A tree’s fruit reveals
how well it has been cultivated.
    In the same way, reasoning makes plain
    a person’s thoughts.