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[1] There is a reproof that is not comely; And there is a man that keepeth silence, and he is wise.

[2] How good is it to reprove, rather than to be angry; And he that makes confession shall be kept back from hurt.

[3]

[4] As is the lust of an eunuch to deflower a virgin; So is he that executeth judgements with violence.

[5] There is one that keepeth silence, and is found wise; And there is one that is hated for his much talk.

[6] There is one that keepeth silence, for he has no answer to make; And there is that keepeth silence, as knowing his time.

[7] A wise man will be silent till his time come; But the braggart and fool will overpass his time.

[8] He that useth many words shall be abhorred; And he that takes to himself authority therein shall be hated.

[9] There is a prosperity that a man findeth in misfortunes; And there is a gain that turns to loss.

[10] There is a gift that shall not profit you; And there is a gift whose recompense is double.

[11] There is an abasement because of glory; And there is that has lifted up his head from a low estate.

[12] There is that buyeth much for a little, And payeth for it again sevenfold.

[13] He that is wise in words shall make himself beloved; But the pleasantries of fools shall be wasted.

[14] The gift of a fool shall not profit you ; For his eyes are many instead of one.

[15] He 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.

[16] The 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.

[17] How often, and of how many, shall he be laughed to scorn!

[18] A slip on a pavement is better thana slip with the tongue; So the fall of the wicked shall come speedily.

[19] A man without grace isas a tale out of season: It will be continually in the mouth of the ignorant.

[20] A wise sentence from a fool's mouth will be rejected; For he will not speak it in its season.

[21] There is that is hindered from sinning through lack; And when he takes rest, he shall not be troubled.

[22] There is that destroys his soul through bashfulness; And by a foolish countenance he will destroy it.

[23] There is that for bashfulness promiseth to his friend; And he makes him his enemy for nothing.

[24] A lie is a foul blot in a man: It will be continually in the mouth of the ignorant.

[25] A thief is better than a man that is continually lying: But they both shall inherit destruction.

[26] The disposition of a liar is dishonor; And his shame is with him continually.

[27] He that is wise in words shall advance himself; And one that is prudent will please great men.

[28] He that tilleth his land shall raise his heap high; And he that pleases great men shall get pardon for iniquity.

[29] Presents and gifts blind the eyes of the wise, And as a muzzle on the mouth, turn away reproofs.

[30] Wisdom that is hid, and treasure that is out of sight, What profit is in them both?

[31] Better is a man that hideth his folly Than a man that hideth his wisdom.

Ecclesiasticus — Chapters