The King James Version Bible

Sirach 19:9-18

  1. For he heard and observed thee, and when time cometh he will hate thee.

  2. If thou hast heard a word, let it die with thee; and be bold, it will not burst thee.

  3. A fool travaileth with a word, as a woman in labour of a child.

  4. As an arrow that sticketh in a man's thigh, so is a word within a fool's belly.

  5. Admonish a friend, it may be he hath not done it: and if he have done it, that he do it no more.

  6. Admonish thy friend, it may be he hath not said it: and if he have, that he speak it not again.

  7. Admonish a friend: for many times it is a slander, and believe not every tale.

  8. There is one that slippeth in his speech, but not from his heart; and who is he that hath not offended with his tongue?

  9. Admonish thy neighbour before thou threaten him; and not being angry, give place to the law of the most High.

  10. The fear of the Lord is the first step to be accepted [of him,] and wisdom obtaineth his love.