7 Don’t wait to turn to the Lord. Don’t put off from day to day; for suddenly the wrath of the Lord will come on you, and you will perish in the time of vengeance. (WEB) 8 Don’t set your heart upon unrighteous gains, for you will profit nothing in the day of calamity. (WEB) 9 Don’t winnow with every wind. Don’t walk in every path. This is what the sinner who has a double tongue does. (WEB) 10 Be steadfast in your understanding. Let your speech be consistent. (WEB) 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) 14 Don’t be called a whisperer. Don’t lie in wait with your tongue; for shame is on the thief, and an evil condemnation is on him who has a double tongue. (WEB) 15 Don’t be ignorant in a great or small matter. (WEB)
Sirach 5:7–15
Semantically similar passages
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 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)
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 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 24:27–29
27 Complete your outdoor work and prepare your field; after that, you may build your house. 28 Do not testify against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips. 29 Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to…
Proverbs 30:5–7
5 Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. 6 Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and prove you a liar. 7 Two things I ask of You— do not refuse me before I die:
Sirach 4:22–24
22 Don’t show partiality, discrediting your soul. Don’t revere any man to your falling. (WEB) 23 Don’t refrain from speaking when it is for safety. Don’t hide your wisdom for the sake of seeming fair. (WEB) 24 For wisdom will be known by speech, and instruction by the word of the t… (WEB)
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