Sirach 28:23-25

Good News Translation

²³ Its victims are those who have abandoned the Lord; once the fire of slander has been lit among them, it cannot be put out. Slander will pounce on them like a lion and tear them to pieces like a leopard.

²⁴ Don't you fence in your property? Don't you lock up your money? ²⁵ Well, be just as careful with what you say. Weigh every word, and have a lock ready for your mouth.