Sirach 41:14-24

1. 14 My children, keep discipline in peace: for wisdom that is hid, and a treasure that is not seen, what profit is in them both?

2. 15 A man that hideth his foolishness is better than a man that hideth his wisdom.

3. 16 Therefore be shamefaced according to my word: for it is not good to retain all shamefacedness; neither is it altogether approved in every thing.

4. 17 Be ashamed of whoredom before father and mother: and of a lie before a prince and a mighty man;

5. 18 Of an offence before a judge and ruler; of iniquity before a congregation and people; of unjust dealing before thy partner and friend;

6. 19 And of theft in regard of the place where thou sojournest, and in regard of the truth of God and his covenant; and to lean with thine elbow upon the meat; and of scorning to give and take;

7. 20 And of silence before them that salute thee; and to look upon an harlot;

8. 21 And to turn away thy face from thy kinsman; or to take away a portion or a gift; or to gaze upon another man's wife.

9. 22 Or to be overbusy with his maid, and come not near her bed; or of upbraiding speeches before friends; and after thou hast given, upbraid not;

10. 23 Or of iterating and speaking again that which thou hast heard; and of revealing of secrets.

11. 24 So shalt thou be truly shamefaced and find favour before all men.

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