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 crier. Today he will lend, and tomorrow he will ask for it back. Such a one is a hateful man. (WEB)
Sirach 20:13–15
Semantically similar passages
Sirach 18:17–19
17 Behold, isn’t a word better than a gift? Both are with a gracious person. (WEB) 18 A fool is ungracious and abusive. The gift of a grudging person consumes the eyes. (WEB) 19 Learn before you speak. Take care of your health before you get sick. (WEB)
Sirach 29:4–6
4 Many have considered a loan to be a windfall, and have given trouble to those who helped them. (WEB) 5 Until he has received, he will kiss a man’s hands. For his neighbor’s money he will speak submissively. Then when payment is due, he will prolong the time, return ex… (WEB)
Ecclesiastes 10:11–13
11 If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer. 12 The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. 13 The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness.
Proverbs 14:16–18
16 A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless. 17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a devious man is hated. 18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
Proverbs 10:9–11
9 He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out. 10 He who winks the eye causes grief, and foolish lips will come to ruin. 11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
Proverbs 18:5–7
5 Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice. 6 A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. 7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
Sirach 27:22–24
22 One who winks the eye contrives evil things; and those who know him will keep their distance. (WEB) 23 When you are present, he will speak sweetly, and will admire your words; but afterward he will twist his speech and set a trap in your words. (WEB) 24 I have hated many things,… (WEB)
Proverbs 23:8–10
8 You will vomit up what little you have eaten and waste your pleasant words. 9 Do not speak to a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words. 10 Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,
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