12 As an arrow that sticks in the flesh of the thigh, so is gossip in a fool. (WEB) 13 Question a friend; it may be he didn’t do it. If he did something, it may be that he may do it no more. (WEB) 14 Question your neighbor; it may be he didn’t say it. If he has said it, it may be that he may not say it again. (WEB)
Sirach 19:12–14
Semantically similar passages
Proverbs 25:8–10
8 do not bring hastily to court. Otherwise, what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame? 9 Argue your case with your neighbor without betraying another’s confidence, 10 lest the one who hears may disgrace you, and your infamy never go away.
Sirach 7:11–13
11 Don’t laugh a man to scorn when he is in the bitterness of his soul, for there is one who humbles and exalts. (WEB) 12 Don’t devise a lie against your brother, or do the same to a friend. (WEB) 13 Refuse to utter a lie, for that habit results in no good. (WEB)
Testament of Gad 2:3–5
3 Love ye one another from the heart; and if a man sin against thee, speak peaceably to him, and in thy soul hold not guile; and if he repent and confess, forgive him. (T12) 4 But if he deny it, do not get into a passion with him, lest catching the poison from thee he t… (T12)
Proverbs 20:18–20
18 Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance. 19 He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips. 20 Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness.
Sirach 8:16–18
16 Don’t fight with a wrathful man. Don’t travel with him through the desert, for blood is as nothing in his sight. Where there is no help, he will overthrow you. (WEB) 17 Don’t consult with a fool, for he will not be able to keep a secret. (WEB) 18 Do no secret thing before a stra… (WEB)
Sirach 19:6–8
6 He who hates gossip has less wickedness. (WEB) 7 Never repeat what is told you, and you won’t lose anything. (WEB) 8 Whether it is of friend or foe, don’t tell it. Unless it is a sin to you, don’t reveal it. (WEB)
Romans 14:15–17
15 If your brother is distressed by what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother, for whom Christ died. 16 Do not allow what you consider good, then, to be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eati…
Sirach 11:6–8
6 Many mighty men have been greatly disgraced. Men of renown have been delivered into other men’s hands. (WEB) 7 Don’t blame before you investigate. Understand first, and then rebuke. (WEB) 8 Don’t answer before you have heard. Don’t interrupt while someone else is speaking. (WEB)
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