Sirach 5:12-14

Common English Bible

¹² If you have understanding,
answer your neighbor,
    but if you don’t,
    clap your hand over your mouth.
¹³ Speaking brings glory or dishonor.
    Indeed, the tongue
    can be a person’s downfall.
¹⁴ Don’t get a reputation
for being a slanderer,
        and don’t set traps for people
        with your speech,
    because shame comes to the thief,
        and terrible blame
        comes upon the deceitful.^[a]