DeuterocanonDeuterocanon
Chapter 20· Book IV of 7
1There is a reproof that is not comely; And there is a man that keeps silence, and he is wise. 2How good is it to reprove, rather than to be angry; And he that makes confession shall be kept back from hurt. 4As is the lust of an eunuch to deflower a virgin; So is he that executes judgements with violence. 5There is one that keeps silence, and is found wise; And there is one that is hated for his much talk. 6There is one that keeps silence, for he has no answer to make; And there is that keeps silence, as knowing his time. 7A wise man will be silent till his time come; But the braggart and fool will overpass his time. 8He that uses many words shall be abhorred; And he that takes to himself authority therein shall be hated. 9There is a prosperity that a man finds in misfortunes; And there is a gain that turns to loss. 10There is a gift that shall not profit you; And there is a gift whose recompense is double. 11There is an abasement because of glory; And there is that has lifted up his head from a low estate. 12There is that buys much for a little, And pays for it again sevenfold. 13He that is wise in words shall make himself beloved; But the pleasantries of fools shall be wasted. 14The gift of a fool shall not profit you; For his eyes are many instead of one. 15He will give little, and upbraid much; And he will open his mouth like a crier: Today he will lend, and tomorrow he will ask it again: Such an one is a hateful man. 16The fool will say, I have no friend, And I have no thanks for my good deeds; They that eat my bread are of evil tongue. 17How often, and of how many, shall he be laughed to scorn! 18A slip on a pavement is better than a slip with the tongue; So the fall of the wicked shall come speedily. 19A man without grace is as a tale out of season: It will be continually in the mouth of the ignorant. 20A wise sentence from a fool’s mouth will be rejected; For he will not speak it in its season. 21There is that is hindered from sinning through lack; And when he takes rest, he shall not be troubled. 22There is that destroys his soul through bashfulness; And by a foolish countenance he will destroy it. 23There is that for bashfulness promises to his friend; And he makes him his enemy for nothing. 24A lie is a foul blot in a man: It will be continually in the mouth of the ignorant. 25A thief is better than a man that is continually lying: But they both shall inherit destruction. 26The disposition of a liar is dishonor; And his shame is with him continually. 27He that is wise in words shall advance himself; And one that is prudent will please great men. 28He that tils his land shall raise his heap high; And he that pleases great men shall get pardon for iniquity. 29Presents and gifts blind the eyes of the wise, And as a muzzle on the mouth, turn away reproofs. 30Wisdom that is hid, and treasure that is out of sight, What profit is in them both? 31Better is a man that hides his folly Than a man that hides his wisdom.