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The Proper Use of Speech[a]

Whoever gloats over evil will be destroyed,
    and whoever repeats gossip has no sense.
Never repeat gossip,
    and no one will reproach you.(A)

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Footnotes

  1. 19:5–17 An excellent commentary on bearing false witness (Ex 20:16; Dt 5:20). Ben Sira speaks harshly about calumny, rash judgment, and detraction (vv. 5–7), and urges discreet silence (vv. 8–12). Justice requires that an accused neighbor be given a hearing, and charity urges fraternal correction; both together fulfill the law of the Most High (vv. 13–17); cf. Mt 7:1–2; 18:15–16.