15 If a man of knowledge hears a wise word, he will commend it and add to it. The wanton man hears it, and it displeases him, so he throws it away behind his back. (WEB) 16 The chatter of a fool is like a burden in the way, but grace will be found on the lips of the wise. (WEB) 17 The utterance of the prudent man will be sought for in the congregation. They will ponder his words in their heart. (WEB)
Sirach 21:15–17
Semantically similar passages
Proverbs 10:7–9
7 The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. 8 A wise heart will receive commandments, but foolish lips will come to ruin. 9 He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out.
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)
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.
Sirach 3:28–30
28 The calamity of the proud has no healing, for a weed of wickedness has taken root in him. (WEB) 29 The heart of the prudent will understand a proverb. A wise man desires the ear of a listener. (WEB) 30 Water will quench a flaming fire; almsgiving will make atonement for sins. (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 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 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 16:20–22
20 Whoever heeds instruction will find success, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. 21 The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant speech promotes instruction. 22 Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly.
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