1 There is a reproof that is uncalled fora,

Then he that is silent is wise.

S 2 bHe that reproveth a sinner getteth no thanksb,

But let him that maketh confession cbe spared humiliationc.

HB 4 dAs is an eunuch that sojourneth with a virgindd,

So is he that would do right with violencee.

HC 5 fOnef keepeth silence, and is accountedg wise,

fAnd anotherf is despised for his much talking.

HC 6 One keepeth silence, having naught to say;

And another keepeth silence, for he seeth (it is) a time (for silence).

7 The wise man is silent until the (proper) time,

But hthe arrogant and the scornerh itake no notei of the time.

G 8 *He that is abundant in word is abhorredk,

And he that taketh to himself authorityl is hatedm.

(f) 20:9–17. Things are not always what they seem

(= 2 + 3 + 3 + 2 distichs).