18 A slip on a pavement is better than a slip with the tongue. So the fall of the wicked will come speedily. (WEB)
Sirach 20:18
Semantically similar passages
Sirach 21:6–8
6 One who hates reproof is in the path of the sinner. He who fears the Lord will repent in his heart. (WEB) 7 He who is mighty in tongue is known far away; but the man of understanding knows when he slips. (WEB) 8 He who builds his house with other men’s money is like one who ga… (WEB)
Sirach 28:17–19
17 The stroke of a whip makes a mark in the flesh, but the stroke of a tongue will break bones. (WEB) 18 Many have fallen by the edge of the sword, yet not so many as those who have fallen because of the tongue. (WEB) 19 Happy is he who is sheltered from it, who has not passed thro… (WEB)
Sirach 5:12–14
12 If you have understanding, answer your neighbor; but if not, put your hand over your mouth. (WEB) 13 Glory and dishonor is in talk. A man’s tongue may be his downfall. (WEB) 14 Don’t be called a whisperer. Don’t lie in wait with your tongue; for shame is on the thief, and an evi… (WEB)
Proverbs 18:6–8
6 A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. 7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. 8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.
Job 12:4–6
4 I am a laughingstock to my friends, though I called on God, and He answered. The righteous and upright man is a laughingstock. 5 The one at ease scorns misfortune as the fate of those whose feet are slipping. 6 The tents of robbers are safe, and those who provoke G…
Sirach 28:25–26
25 so make a balance and a weight for your words, and make a door and a bar for your mouth. (WEB) 26 Take heed lest you slip with it, lest you fall before one who lies in wait. (WEB)
Proverbs 13:2–4
2 From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the desire of the faithless is violence. 3 He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. 4 The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is…
Sirach 9:17–18
17 A work is commended because of the skill of the artisan; so he who rules the people will be considered wise for his speech. (WEB) 18 A loudmouthed man is dangerous in his city. He who is reckless in his speech will be hated. (WEB)
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