Sirach 21:10–18
10The way of sinners is paved with stones; and at the end of it is the pit of Hades.↗
11He who keeps the law becomes master of its intent. The fulfilment of the fear of the Lord is wisdom.↗
12He who is not clever will not be instructed. There is a cleverness which makes bitterness abound.↗
13The knowledge of a wise man will be made to abound as a flood, and his counsel as a fountain of life.↗
14The inward parts of a fool are like a broken vessel. He will hold no knowledge.↗
15If a man of knowledge hears a wise word, he will commend it and add to it. The wanton man hears it, and it displeases him, so he throws it away behind his back.↗
16The chatter of a fool is like a burden in the way, but grace will be found on the lips of the wise.↗
17The utterance of the prudent man will be sought for in the congregation. They will ponder his words in their heart.↗
18As a house that is destroyed, so is wisdom to a fool. The knowledge of an unwise man is talk without sense.↗
Source: World English Bible (Catholic), public domain. Text is taken directly from the source. Headings are editorial, not biblical verses.
Languages: English public-domain source is available throughout all 73 books. Slovenian and German Scripture editions will be published only after their precise source texts are verified; we do not substitute machine-written translations.