Sirach 19:4–12

4 One who trusts others too quickly is lightminded,

and one who sins does wrong to himself.

5 One who rejoices in wickedness will be condemned,

6 and for one who hates gossip evil is lessened.

7 Never repeat a conversation,

and you will lose nothing at all.

8 With friend or foe do not report it,

and unless it would be a sin for you, do not disclose it;

9 for some one has heard you and watched you,

and when the time comes he will hate you.

10 Have you heard a word? Let it die with you.

Be brave! It will not make you burst!

11 With such a word a fool will suffer pangs

like a woman in labor with a child.

12 Like an arrow stuck in the flesh of the thigh,

so is a word inside a fool.