Sirach 20:1–8

1 There is a reproof which is not timely;

and there is a man who keeps silent but is wise.

2 How much better it is to reprove than to stay angry!

And the one who confesses his fault will be kept from loss.

4 Like a eunuch’s desire to violate a maiden

is a man who executes judgments by violence.

5 There is one who by keeping silent is found wise,

while another is detested for being too talkative.

6 There is one who keeps silent because he has no answer,

while another keeps silent because he knows when to speak.

7 A wise man will be silent until the right moment,

but a braggart and fool goes beyond the right moment.

8 Whoever uses too many words will be loathed,

and whoever usurps the right to speak will be hated.