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) 18 As a house that is destroyed, so is wisdom to a fool. The knowledge of an unwise man is talk without sense. (WEB)
Sirach 21:16–18
Semantically similar passages
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 24:6–8
6 Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors. 7 Wisdom is too high for a fool; he does not open his mouth in the meeting place. 8 He who plots evil will be called a schemer.
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 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 15:13–15
13 A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit. 14 A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. 15 All the days of the oppressed are bad, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.
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.
Proverbs 15:6–8
6 The house of the righteous has great treasure, but the income of the wicked is trouble. 7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the hearts of fools. 8 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.
Search the collection All books and codes Translations and sources