15 My son, don’t add reproach to your good deeds, and no harsh words in any of your giving. (WEB) 16 Doesn’t the dew relieve the scorching heat? So a word is better than a gift. (WEB) 17 Behold, isn’t a word better than a gift? Both are with a gracious person. (WEB)
Sirach 18:15–17
Semantically similar passages
Sirach 20:9–11
9 There is a prosperity that a man finds in misfortunes; and there is a gain that turns to loss. (WEB) 10 There is a gift that will not profit you; and there is a gift that pays back double. (WEB) 11 There are losses because of glory; and there is one who has lifted up his head fr… (WEB)
Sirach 7:32–34
32 Also stretch out your hand to the poor man, that your blessing may be complete. (WEB) 33 A gift has grace in the sight of every living man. Don’t withhold grace for a dead man. (WEB) 34 Don’t avoid those who weep, and mourn with those who mourn. (WEB)
Sirach 20:13–15
13 He who is wise in words will make himself beloved; but the pleasantries of fools will be wasted. (WEB) 14 The gift of a fool will not profit you, for he looks for repayment many times instead of one. (WEB) 15 He will give little and insult much. He will open his mouth like a cri… (WEB)
Proverbs 17:7–9
7 Eloquent words are unfit for a fool; how much worse are lying lips to a ruler! 8 A bribe is a charm to its giver; wherever he turns, he succeeds. 9 Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but he who brings it up separates friends.
Proverbs 16:23–25
23 The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips. 24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. 25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
Proverbs 3:26–28
26 for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from the snare. 27 Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act. 28 Do not tell your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I will provide”— when you already have the means.
Sirach 6:4–6
4 A wicked soul will destroy him who has it, and will make him a laughing stock to his enemies. (WEB) 5 Sweet words will multiply a man’s friends. A gracious tongue will multiply courtesies. (WEB) 6 Let those that are at peace with you be many, but your advisers one of a thousan… (WEB)
Proverbs 15:22–24
22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. 23 A man takes joy in a fitting reply— and how good is a timely word! 24 The path of life leads upward for the wise, that he may avoid going down to Sheol.
Search the collection All books and codes Translations and sources