World English Bible

Sirach 27:11-21 World English Bible (WEB)

11. The discourse of a godly man is always wisdom: But the foolish man changes as the moon.

12. Among men void of understanding observe the opportunity; But stay continually among the thoughtful.

13. The discourse of fools is an offence; And their laughter is in the wantonness of sin.

14. The talk of a man of many oaths will make the hair stand upright; And their strife makes one stop his ears.

15. The strife of the proud is a shedding of blood; And their reviling of each other is a grievous thing to hear.

16. He that reveals secrets destroys credit, And shall not find a friend to his mind.

17. Love a friend, and keep faith with him: But if you reveal his secrets, You shall not pursue after him;

18. For as a man has destroyed his enemy, So have you destroyed the friendship of your neighbor.

19. And as a bird which you have loosed out of your hand, So have you let your neighbor go, and you will not catch him again:

20. Pursue him not, for he is gone far away, And has escaped as a gazelle out of the snare.

21. For a wound may be bound up, and after reviling there may be a reconcilement; But he that reveals secrets has lost hope.