1 It is better to keep silence and to be, than to talk and not to be. It is a fine thing to teach, if the speaker practise. Now there is one teacher, who _spake and it came to pass:_ yea and even the things which He hath done in silence are worthy of the Father. (IGN)
Ignatius to the Ephesians 15:1
Semantically similar passages
Sirach 32:7–9
7 Speak, young man, if you are obliged to, but no more than twice, and only if asked. (WEB) 8 Sum up your speech, many things in few words. Be as one who knows and yet holds his tongue. (WEB) 9 When among great men, don’t behave as their equal. When another is speaking, don’t ba… (WEB)
Job 33:32–33
32 But if you have something to say, answer me; speak up, for I would like to vindicate you. 33 But if not, then listen to me; be quiet, and I will teach you wisdom.”
Sirach 26:13–15
13 The grace of a wife will delight her husband. Her knowledge will strengthen his bones. (WEB) 14 A silent woman is a gift of the Lord. There is nothing worth so much as a well-instructed soul. (WEB) 15 A modest woman is grace upon grace. There are no scales that can weigh the val… (WEB)
Sirach 20:4–6
4 As is the lust of a eunuch to deflower a virgin, so is he who executes judgments with violence. (WEB) 5 There is one who keeps silent and is found wise; and there is one who is hated for his much talk. (WEB) 6 There is one who keeps silent, for he has no answer to make; And th… (WEB)
Proverbs 17:27–28
27 A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. 28 Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.
1 Clement 30:3–5
3 Let us therefore cleave unto those to whom grace is given from God. Let us clothe ourselves in concord, being lowlyminded and temperate, holding ourselves aloof from all back biting and evil speaking, being justified by works and not by words. (1CL) 4 For He saith, He… (1CL)
Sirach 1:28–30
28 Don’t disobey the fear of the Lord. Don’t come to him with a double heart. (WEB) 29 Don’t be a hypocrite in men’s sight. Keep watch over your lips. (WEB) 30 Don’t exalt yourself, lest you fall and bring dishonor upon your soul. The Lord will reveal your secrets and will cast you… (WEB)
Job 13:4–6
4 You, however, smear with lies; you are all worthless physicians. 5 If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom! 6 Hear now my argument, and listen to the plea of my lips.
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