Silence and Speech-Sirach 20:1-8

(Wise and Foolish Talk)

There are rebukes which are inopportune; there is the silence of a sensible man.

Better to rebuke than nurse a grudge.

He who recognizes his fault diminishes its consequences.

Like a eunuch desiring to violate a girl is he who uses force in pretending to be just.

One remains silent and is thought to be wise; the other makes himself hated because of his gossiping.

One remains silent because he does not know how to reply; the other keeps quiet, waiting for the right moment.

The wise man remains silent until the right moment; the chatterer and fool speak out of turn.

He who speaks too much makes himself hated; he who wishes to impose himself stirs up ill will.

Silence and Speech-Sirach 20:1-8