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The actual, original, first printing of the 1611 King James Version (‘HE’ Bible) — Ecclesiasticus Chapter 20.

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Ecclesiasticus Chapter 20 Original 1611 KJV Bible Scan Ecclesiasticus Chapter 20 Original 1611 KJV Bible Scan

CHAP. XX.

1 Of silence and speaking. 10 Of gifts, and gaine. 18 Of slipping by the tongue. 24 Of lying. 27 Of diuers aduertisements.

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1 There is a reproofe that is not comely: againe some man holdeth his tongue, and he is wise.1

2 It is much better to reprooue, then to be angry secretly, and he that confesseth his fault, shall be preserued from hurt.

3 How good is it when thou art reproued, to shew repentance? for so shalt thou escape wilfull sinne.

4 As is the lust of an Eunuch to defloure a virgine; so is he that executeth iudgement with violence.4

5 There is one that keepeth silence and is found wise: and another by much babling becommeth hatefull.

6 Some man holdeth his tongue, because hee hath not to answere, and some keepeth silence, knowing his time.6

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7 A wise man wil hold his tongue till he see opportunitie: but a babler and a foole will regard no time.7

8 He that vseth many words shalbe abhorred; and hee that taketh to himselfe authoritie therein, shalbe hated.

9 There is a sinner that hath good successe in euill things; and there is a gaine that turneth to losse.

10 There is a gift that shall not profit thee; and there is a gift whose recompence is double.

11 There is an abasement because of glory; and there is that lifteth vp his head from a low estate.

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12 There is that buyeth much for a little, and repayeth it seuen fold.

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13 A wise man by his words maketh himselfe beloued: but the graces of fooles shalbe powred out.13

14 The gift of a foole shall doe thee no good when thou hast it; neither yet of the enuious for his necessitie: for hee looketh to receiue many things for one.14

15 Hee giueth little and vpbraideth much; hee openeth his mouth like a crier; to day he lendeth, and to morrow will he aske it againe: such an one is to be hated of God and man.

16 The foole saith, I haue no friends, I haue no thanke for all my good deeds: and they that eate my bread speake euill of me.

17 How oft, and of how many shall he be laughed to scorne? for hee knoweth not aright what it is to haue; and it is all one vnto him, as if he had it not.

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18 To slip vpon a pauement, is better then to slip with the tongue: so, the fall of the wicked shall come speedily.

19 An vnseasonable tale will alwayes be in the mouth of the vnwise.19

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20 A wise sentence shall be reiected when it commeth out of a fools mouth: for he will not speake it in due season.

21 There is that is hindred from sinning through want: and when hee taketh rest, he shall not be troubled.21

22 There is that destroyeth his owne soule through bashfulnesse, and by accepting of persons ouerthroweth himselfe.

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23 There is that for bashfulnes promiseth to his friend, and maketh him his enemy for nothing.

24 A lie is a foule blot in a man, yet it is continually in the mouth of the vntaught.24

25 A thiefe is better then a man that is accustomed to lie: but they both shall haue destruction to heritage.

26 The disposition of a liar is dishonourable, and his shame is euer with him.26

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27 A wise man shall promote himselfe to honour with his words: and hee that hath vnderstanding, will please great men.

28 He that tilleth his land, shall increase his heape: and he that pleaseth great men, shal get pardon for iniquity.28

29 Presents and gifts blind the eyes of the wise, and stoppe vp his mouth that he cannot reprooue.29

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30 Wisedome that is hidde, and treasure that is hoarded vp, what profit is in them both?

31 Better is he that hideth his folly, then a man that hideth his wisedome.

32 Necessary patience in seeking the Lord, is better then he that leadeth his life without a guide.

Ecclesiasticus Chapter 20 Sidenote References (from Original 1611 KJV Bible)

1 Or, seasonable.
4 Chap. 30. 20.
6 Eccle.3.7.
7 Cha.32.4.
13 Chap.6.5. , Or, pleasant conceits. , Lost, or spilt.
14 Gr. for, his eyes are many for one to receiue.
19 Or, an vnpleasant fellow.
21 Gr. shall not be pricked.
24 Cha.25.2.
26 Or, igno-minde.
28 Prou.12. 11. and 28. 19.
29 Exo.23.8. deu. 16.19. , Or, as a muzzle in the mouth.

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