of
his mouth is the kindling of a fire.

20:16. To day a man lendeth, and to morrow he asketh it again: such a
man as this is hateful.

20:17. A fool shall have no friend, and there shall be no thanks for his
good deeds.

20:18. For they that eat his bread, are of a false tongue. How often,
and how many will laugh him to scorn!

20:19. For he doth not distribute with right understanding that which
was to be had: in like manner also that which was not to be had.

20:20. The slipping of a false tongue is as one that falleth on the
pavement: so the fall of the wicked shall come speedily.

20:21. A man without grace is as a vain fable, it shall be continually
in the mouth of the unwise.

20:22. A parable coming out of a fool's mouth shall be rejected: for he
doth not speak it in due season.

20:23. There is that is hindered from sinning through want, and in his
rest he shall be pricked.

20:24. There is that will destroy his own soul through shamefacedness,
and by occasion of an unwise person he will destroy it: and by respect
of person he will destroy himself.

20:25. There is that for bashfulness promiseth to his friend, and maketh
him his enemy for nothing.

20:26. A lie is a foul blot in a man, and yet it will be continually in
the mouth of men without discipline.

20:27. A thief is better than a man that is always lying: but both of
them shall inherit destruction.

20:28. The manners of lying men are without honour: and their confusion
is with them without ceasing.

20:29. A wise man shall advance himself with his words, and a prudent
man shall please the great ones.

20:30. He that tilleth his land shall make a high heap of corn: and he
that worketh justice shall be exalted: and he that pleaseth great men
shall escape iniquity.

20:31. Presents and gifts blind the eyes of judges, and make them dumb
in the mouth, so that they cannot correct.

20:32. O Wisdom that is hid, and treasure that is not seen: what profit
is there in them both?

20:33. Better is he that hideth his folly, than the man that hideth his
wisdom.

Ecclesiasticus Chapter 21

Cautions against sin in general, and some sins in particular.

21:1. My son, hast thou sinned? do so no more: but for thy former sins
also pray that they may be forgiven thee.

21:2. Flee from sins as from the face of a serpent: for if thou comest
near them, they will take hold of thee.

21:3. The teeth thereof are the teeth of a lion, killing the