Open English Translation SIR Chapter 20

20 There’s a reproof that isn’t timely;

and there’s a person who’s wise enough to keep silent.

2 How good is it to reprove, rather than to be angry.

He who confesses will be kept back from harm. 3 [fn]

4 As is the lust of a eunuch to deflower a virgin,

so is he who executes judgements with violence.

5 There’s one who keeps silent and is found wise;

and there’s one who’s hated for his much talk.

6 There’s one who keeps silent, for he has no answer to make;

And there’s one who keeps silent, knowing when to speak.

7 A wise man will be silent until his time has come,

but the braggart and fool will miss his time.

8 He who uses many words will be abhorred.

He who takes authority for himself will be hated in it.

9 There’s a prosperity that a man finds in misfortunes;

and there’s a gain that turns to loss.

10 There’s a gift that won’t profit you;

and there’s a gift that pays back double.

11 There are losses because of glory;

and there’s one who’s lifted up his head from a low estate.

12 There’s one who buys much for a little,

and pays for it again sevenfold.

13 He who’s wise in words will make himself beloved;

but the pleasantries of fools will be wasted.

14 The gift of a fool won’t profit you,[fn]

for he looks for repayment many times instead of one.

15 He’ll give little and insult much.

He’ll open his mouth like a crier.

Today he’ll lend, and tomorrow he’ll ask for it back.

Such a one is a hateful man.

16 The fool will say, “I have no friend,

and I have no thanks for my good actions.

Those who eat my bread have an evil tongue.”

17 How often, and of how many, will he be laughed to scorn![fn]

18 A slip on a pavement is better than a slip with the tongue.

So the fall of the wicked will come speedily.

19 A man without grace is a tale out of season.

It’ll be continually in the mouth of the ignorant.

20 A parable from a fool’s mouth will be rejected;

for he won’t tell it at the proper time.

21 There’s one who’s hindered from sinning through lack.

When he rests, he won’t be troubled.

22 There’s one who destroys his soul through bashfulness.

By a foolish face, he’ll destroy it.

23 There’s one who for bashfulness makes promises to his friend;

and he makes him his enemy for nothing.

24 A lie is an ugly blot on a person.

It’ll be continually in the mouth of the ignorant.

25 A thief is better than a man who’s continually lying,

but they both will inherit destruction.

26 The destination of a liar is dishonour.

His shame is with him continually.

27 He who’s wise in words will advance himself.

And one who’s prudent will please great men.

28 He who tills his land will raise his harvest high.

He who pleases great men will get pardon for iniquity.

29 Favours and gifts blind the eyes of the wise,

and as a muzzle on the mouth, turn away reproofs.

30 Wisdom that’s hidden, and treasure that’s out of sight—

what profit is in either of them?

31 Better is a man who hides his folly

than a man who hides his wisdom. 32 [fn]