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 20:29–31
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.
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,
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 14:32–34
32 The wicked man is thrown down by his own sin, but the righteous man has a refuge even in death. 33 Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning; even among fools she is known. 34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
Sirach 20:1–2
1 There is a reproof that is not timely; and there is a person who is wise enough to keep silent. (WEB) 2 How good is it to reprove, rather than to be angry. He who confesses will be kept back from harm. (WEB)
Ecclesiastes 7:6–8
6 For like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This too is futile. 7 Surely extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart. 8 The end of a matter is better than the beginning, and a patient spirit is better t…
Search the collection All books and codes Translations and sources