8 Sum up your speech, many things in few words. Be as one who knows and yet holds his tongue. (WEB)
Sirach 32:8
Semantically similar passages
Proverbs 17:26–28
26 It is surely not good to punish the innocent or to flog a noble for his honesty. 27 A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. 28 Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tong…
Sirach 4:28–30
28 Strive for the truth to death, and the Lord God will fight for you. (WEB) 29 Don’t be hasty with your tongue, or slack and negligent in your deeds. (WEB) 30 Don’t be like a lion in your house, or suspicious of your servants. (WEB)
Sirach 7:13–15
13 Refuse to utter a lie, for that habit results in no good. (WEB) 14 Don’t babble in the assembly of elders. Don’t repeat your words in your prayer. (WEB) 15 Don’t hate hard labor or farm work, which the Most High has created. (WEB)
Sirach 5:11–13
11 Be swift to hear and answer with patience. (WEB) 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)
Sirach 20:4–6
4 As is the lust of a eunuch to deflower a virgin, so is he who executes judgments with violence. (WEB) 5 There is one who keeps silent and is found wise; and there is one who is hated for his much talk. (WEB) 6 There is one who keeps silent, for he has no answer to make; And th… (WEB)
Proverbs 10:18–20
18 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool. 19 When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. 20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked has little worth.
Job 13:4–6
4 You, however, smear with lies; you are all worthless physicians. 5 If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom! 6 Hear now my argument, and listen to the plea of my lips.
Sirach 33:3–5
3 A man of understanding will put his trust in the law. And the law is faithful to him, as when one asks a divine oracle. (WEB) 4 Prepare your speech, and so you will be heard. Bind up instruction, and make your answer. (WEB) 5 The heart of a fool is like a cartwheel. His though… (WEB)
Search the collection All books and codes Translations and sources