Sirach 27:19
King James VersionSource notes
“As one that letteth a bird go out of his hand, so hast thou let thy neighbour go, and shalt not get him again”
Context
16Whoso discovereth secrets loseth his credit; and shall never find friend to his mind.
17Love thy friend, and be faithful unto him: but if thou betrayest his secrets, follow no more after him.
18For as a man hath destroyed his enemy; so hast thou lost the love of thy neighbor.
19As one that letteth a bird go out of his hand, so hast thou let thy neighbour go, and shalt not get him again
20Follow after him no more, for he is too far off; he is as a roe escaped out of the snare.
21As for a wound, it may be bound up; and after reviling there may be reconcilement: but he that betrayeth secrets is without hope.
22He that winketh with the eyes worketh evil: and he that knoweth him will depart from him.