17 The stroke of a whip makes a mark in the flesh, but the stroke of a tongue will break bones. (WEB) 18 Many have fallen by the edge of the sword, yet not so many as those who have fallen because of the tongue. (WEB) 19 Happy is he who is sheltered from it, who has not passed through its wrath, who has not drawn its yoke, and has not been bound with its bands. (WEB)
Sirach 28:17–19
Semantically similar passages
Proverbs 18:20–22
20 From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied. 21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. 22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.
Proverbs 15:3–5
3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good. 4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. 5 A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction is prudent.
Proverbs 12:17–19
17 He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit. 18 Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. 19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
Sirach 21:2–4
2 Flee from sin as from the face of a snake; for if you go near, it will bite you. Its teeth are like lion’s teeth, slaying people’s souls. (WEB) 3 All iniquity is as a two-edged sword. Its stroke has no healing. (WEB) 4 Terror and violence will waste away riches. So the house o… (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…
Sirach 5:12–14
12 If you have understanding, answer your neighbor; but if not, put your hand over your mouth. (WEB) 13 Glory and dishonor is in talk. A man’s tongue may be his downfall. (WEB) 14 Don’t be called a whisperer. Don’t lie in wait with your tongue; for shame is on the thief, and an evi… (WEB)
Proverbs 18:5–7
5 Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice. 6 A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. 7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
Proverbs 21:22–24
22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust. 23 He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress. 24 Mocker is the name of the proud and arrogant man— of him who acts with excessive pride.
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