World English Bible

Sirach 22:13-19 World English Bible (WEB)

13. Talk not much with a foolish man, And go not to one that has no understanding: Beware of him, lest you have trouble; And so you shall not be defiled in his onslaught: Turn aside from him, and you shall find rest; And so you shall not be wearied in his madness.

14. What shall be heavier than lead? And what is the name thereof, but a fool?

15. Sand, and salt, and a mass of iron, is easier to bear, Than a man without understanding.

16. Timber girded and bound into a building shall not be loosed with shaking: So a heart established in due season on well advised counsel shall not be afraid.

17. A heart settled upon a thoughtful understanding Is as an ornament of plaister on a polished wall.

18. Pales set on a high place will not stand against the wind: So a fearful heart in the imagination of a fool will not stand against any fear.

19. He that pricks the eye will make tears to fall; And he that pricks the heart makes it to show feeling.