Sirach 22:7–18
7 He who teacheth a fool is (as) one that glueth together a potsherdo,
(Or) asp one that awakeneth a sleeper out of a deep sleep.
8 qHe that discourseth to a foolqq is as one discoursing to him that slumberethq,
And at the end he saith, ‘What is it?’
11 Mourn for the dead, rfor hiss light hath failedr;
And mournt for a fool, for understanding hath failed (him).
uWeep gentlyv for the deadu, for he hath found rest;
wButx the life of a fool is yworse thany deathw.
12 The mourning for the dead (lasts) seven days,
But zthe mourning for a foolz all the days of his life.
13 Talk not much with a foolish man,
And consort not with a piga:
Beware of him, lest thou have trouble,
And thou becomest defiled bwhen he shaketh himselfb;
Turn from him, and thou wilt find rest,
And (so) shalt thou not be wearied with his follyc.
14 dWhat is heavier than leadd?
And what is its name but ‘Fool’?
15 Sand and salt and a weight of iron
(Are) easiere to bear than fa senseless manf.
16 Asg timber girt and fixed into the wallh
kIs not loosened by an earthquakek,
G So a heart established on well-advised counsel
lWill not be afraidl in timem [of danger].
17 mmA heart fixed on thoughtful understanding
Is as an ornament gravenn upono a polished wallmm.
18 pSmall stonesp lying upon a high place
Will not remain against the wind,
qSo will the fearsome heart (bent) on foolish imagination
Be unable to withstand any terrorq.
(h) 22:19–26. How Friendship is dissolved; the duty of a friend