Sirach 21:19–28
19Instruction is as fetters on the feet of an unwise man, and as manacles on the right hand.↗
20A fool lifts up his voice with laughter, but a clever man smiles quietly.↗
21Instruction is to a prudent man as an ornament of gold, and as a bracelet upon his right arm.↗
22The foot of a fool rushes into a house, but a man of experience will be ashamed of entering.↗
23A foolish man peers into the door of a house, but a man who is instructed will stand outside.↗
24It is rude for someone to listen at a door, but a prudent person will be grieved with the disgrace.↗
25The lips of strangers will be grieved at these things, but the words of prudent men will be weighed in the balance.↗
26The heart of fools is in their mouth, but the mouth of wise men is their heart.↗
27When the ungodly curses an adversary, he curses his own soul.↗
28A whisperer defiles his own soul, and will be hated wherever he travels.↗
Source: World English Bible (Catholic), public domain. Text is taken directly from the source. Headings are editorial, not biblical verses.
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