12 If you have understanding, answer your neighbor; but if not, put your hand over your mouth. (WEB)
Sirach 5:12
Semantically similar passages
Sirach 20:5–7
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 there is one who keeps silent, knowing when to speak. (WEB) 7 A wise man will be silent until his time has… (WEB)
Proverbs 17:27–28
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 tongue.
Sirach 11:7–9
7 Don’t blame before you investigate. Understand first, and then rebuke. (WEB) 8 Don’t answer before you have heard. Don’t interrupt while someone else is speaking. (WEB) 9 Don’t argue about a matter that doesn’t concern you. Don’t sit with sinners when they judge. (WEB)
Proverbs 11:11–13
11 By the blessing of the upright a city is built up, but by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down. 12 Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding remains silent. 13 A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a con…
Proverbs 30:31–33
31 a strutting rooster; a he-goat; and a king with his army around him. 32 If you have foolishly exalted yourself or if you have plotted evil, put your hand over your mouth. 33 For as the churning of milk yields butter, and the twisting of the nose draws blood, so the s…
Proverbs 18:12–14
12 Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. 13 He who answers a matter before he hears it— this is folly and disgrace to him. 14 The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?
Proverbs 26:3–5
3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools! 4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him. 5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes.
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)
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