18 The belly will eat any food, but one food is better than another. (WEB) 19 The mouth tastes meats taken in hunting, so does an understanding heart detect false speech. (WEB) 20 A contrary heart will cause heaviness. A man of experience will pay him back. (WEB)
Sirach 36:18–20
Semantically similar passages
Proverbs 27:6–8
6 The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 7 The soul that is full loathes honey, but to a hungry soul, any bitter thing is sweet. 8 Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who wanders from his home.
Proverbs 20:16–18
16 Take the garment of the one who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner. 17 Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man, but later his mouth is full of gravel. 18 Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance.
Job 34:2–4
2 “Hear my words, O wise men; give ear to me, O men of learning. 3 For the ear tests words as the mouth tastes food. 4 Let us choose for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.
Proverbs 23:7–9
7 for he is keeping track, inwardly counting the cost. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you. 8 You will vomit up what little you have eaten and waste your pleasant words. 9 Do not speak to a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.
Sirach 30:24–25
24 Envy and wrath shorten life. Anxiety brings old age before its time. (WEB) 25 Those who are cheerful and merry will benefit from their food. (WEB)
Sirach 37:29–31
29 Don’t be insatiable in any luxury. Don’t be greedy in the things that you eat. (WEB) 30 For overeating brings disease, and gluttony causes nausea. (WEB) 31 Because of gluttony, many have perished, but he who takes heed shall prolong his life. (WEB)
Proverbs 23:2–4
2 and put a knife to your throat if you possess a great appetite. 3 Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive. 4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself.
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.
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