5 There is one who keeps silent and is found wise; and there is one who is hated for his much talk. (WEB) 6 There is one who keeps silent, for he has no answer to make; And there is one who keeps silent, knowing when to speak. (WEB) 7 A wise man will be silent until his time has come, but the braggart and fool will miss his time. (WEB)
Sirach 20:5–7
Semantically similar passages
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.
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)
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 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 10:18–20
18 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool. 19 When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. 20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked has little worth.
Sirach 20:30–32
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) 32 Necessary patience in seeking the Lord is better than he that leadeth his life without a guide. (KJV)
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 13:2–4
2 From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the desire of the faithless is violence. 3 He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. 4 The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is…
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