Sirach 21:20
King James VersionSource notes
“A fool lifteth up his voice with laughter; but a wise man doth scarce smile a little.”
Context
17They enquire at the mouth of the wise man in the congregation, and they shall ponder his words in their heart.
18As is a house that is destroyed, so is wisdom to a fool: and the knowledge of the unwise is as talk without sense.
19Doctrine unto fools is as fetters on the feet, and like manacles on the right hand.
20A fool lifteth up his voice with laughter; but a wise man doth scarce smile a little.
21Learning is unto a wise man as an ornament of gold, and like a bracelet upon his right arm.
22A foolish man’s foot is soon in his neighbour’s house: but a man of experience is ashamed of him.
23A fool will peep in at the door into the house: but he that is well nurtured will stand without.