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14 He has compassion on those who accept his teaching
    and are diligent in obeying his precepts.

Excesses of the Tongue and Greed Are the Enemies of Wisdom[a]

The Manner of Giving Is Worth More than the Gift[b]

15 My child, do not temper your good deeds with reproach,
    or spoil your gifts with harsh words.
16 Does not dew give relief from the heat?
    In the same way, a word can do more than a gift.

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Footnotes

  1. Wisdom of Ben Sira 18:15 After a lengthy debate about the human condition entrusted to God’s mercy, the author sets forth anew a succession of practical counsels whose main themes we highlight.
  2. Wisdom of Ben Sira 18:15 The author stresses that in doing a charitable act the giver must be careful not to humiliate the receiver (v. 16).