31 Better is a man who hides his folly than a man who hides his wisdom. (WEB)
Sirach 20:31
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 17:27–28
27 A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. 28 Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.
Proverbs 29:10–12
10 Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life. 11 A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back. 12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked.
Proverbs 13:15–17
15 Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the faithless is difficult. 16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly. 17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing.
Sirach 21:25–27
25 The lips of strangers will be grieved at these things, but the words of prudent men will be weighed in the balance. (WEB) 26 The heart of fools is in their mouth, but the mouth of wise men is their heart. (WEB) 27 When the ungodly curses an adversary, he curses his own soul. (WEB)
Proverbs 14:6–8
6 A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning. 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.
Proverbs 26:11–13
11 As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. 12 Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 13 The slacker says, “A lion is in the road! A fierce lion roams the public square!”
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