New American Bible, Revised Edition

Ben Sira 19:16-28 New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)

16. Then, too, a person can slip and not mean it;who has not sinned with his tongue?

17. Admonish your neighbor before you break with him;and give due place to the Law of the Most High.

20. All wisdom is fear of the Lord;and in all wisdom, the observance of the Law.

22. The knowledge of wickedness is not wisdom,nor is there prudence in the counsel of sinners.

23. There is a shrewdness that is detestable,while the fool may be free from sin.

24. Better are the God-fearing who have little understandingthan those of great intelligence who violate the Law.

25. There is a shrewdness keen but dishonest,and there are those who are duplicitous to win a judgment.

26. There is the villain bowed in grief,but full of deceit within.

27. He hides his face and pretends not to hear,but when not observed, he will take advantage of you:

28. Even if his lack of strength keeps him from sinning,when he finds the right time he will do harm.