27 He who is wise in words will advance himself. And one who is prudent will please great men. (WEB) 28 He who tills his land will raise his harvest high. He who pleases great men will get pardon for iniquity. (WEB) 29 Favors and gifts blind the eyes of the wise, and as a muzzle on the mouth, turn away reproofs. (WEB) 30 Wisdom that is hidden, and treasure that is out of sight— what profit is in either of them? (WEB) 31 Better is a man who hides his folly than a man who hides his wisdom. (WEB)
Sirach 20:27–31
Semantically similar passages
Sirach 41:14–16
14 My children, follow instruction in peace. But wisdom that is hidden and a treasure that is not seen, what benefit is in them both? (WEB) 15 Better is a man who hides his foolishness than a man who hides his wisdom. (WEB) 16 Therefore show respect for my words; for it is not good… (WEB)
Proverbs 12:22–24
22 Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight. 23 A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly. 24 The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.
Proverbs 10:13–15
13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment. 14 The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool invites destruction. 15 The wealth of the rich man is his fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.
Sirach 20:12–14
12 There is one who buys much for a little, and pays for it again sevenfold. (WEB) 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 o… (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.
Sirach 19:21–23
21 If a servant say to his master, I will not do as it pleaseth thee; though afterward he do it, he angereth him that nourisheth him. (KJV) 22 The knowledge of wickedness is not wisdom. The prudence of sinners is not counsel. (WEB) 23 There is a wickedness, and it is an abomination… (WEB)
Proverbs 15:1–3
1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly. 3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good.
Proverbs 14:7–9
7 Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech. 8 The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them. 9 Fools mock the making of amends, but goodwill is found among the upright.
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