11 Be swift to hear and answer with patience. (WEB) 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)
Sirach 5:11–13
Semantically similar passages
Proverbs 18:12–14
12 Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. 13 He who answers a matter before he hears it— this is folly and disgrace to him. 14 The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?
Sirach 11:7–9
7 Don’t blame before you investigate. Understand first, and then rebuke. (WEB) 8 Don’t answer before you have heard. Don’t interrupt while someone else is speaking. (WEB) 9 Don’t argue about a matter that doesn’t concern you. Don’t sit with sinners when they judge. (WEB)
Sirach 4:28–30
28 Strive for the truth to death, and the Lord God will fight for you. (WEB) 29 Don’t be hasty with your tongue, or slack and negligent in your deeds. (WEB) 30 Don’t be like a lion in your house, or suspicious of your servants. (WEB)
Sirach 33:3–5
3 A man of understanding will put his trust in the law. And the law is faithful to him, as when one asks a divine oracle. (WEB) 4 Prepare your speech, and so you will be heard. Bind up instruction, and make your answer. (WEB) 5 The heart of a fool is like a cartwheel. His though… (WEB)
Sirach 32:7–9
7 Speak, young man, if you are obliged to, but no more than twice, and only if asked. (WEB) 8 Sum up your speech, many things in few words. Be as one who knows and yet holds his tongue. (WEB) 9 When among great men, don’t behave as their equal. When another is speaking, don’t ba… (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 1:28–30
28 Don’t disobey the fear of the Lord. Don’t come to him with a double heart. (WEB) 29 Don’t be a hypocrite in men’s sight. Keep watch over your lips. (WEB) 30 Don’t exalt yourself, lest you fall and bring dishonor upon your soul. The Lord will reveal your secrets and will cast you… (WEB)
Sirach 4:7–9
7 Endear yourself to the assembly. Bow your head to a great man. (WEB) 8 Incline your ear to a poor man. Answer him with peaceful words in humility. (WEB) 9 Deliver him who is wronged from the hand of him who wrongs him; Don’t be hesitant in giving judgment. (WEB)
Search the collection All books and codes Translations and sources