Sirach 5:11
King James VersionSource notes
“Be swift to hear; and let thy life be sincere; and with patience give answer.”
Context
8Set not thine heart upon goods unjustly gotten, for they shall not profit thee in the day of calamity.
9Winnow not with every wind, and go not into every way: for so doth the sinner that hath a double tongue.
10Be stedfast in thy understanding; and let thy word be the same.
11Be swift to hear; and let thy life be sincere; and with patience give answer.
12If thou hast understanding, answer thy neighbour; if not, lay thy hand upon thy mouth.
13Honour and shame is in talk: and the tongue of man is his fall.
14Be not called a whisperer, and lie not in wait with thy tongue: for a foul shame is upon the thief, and an evil condemnation upon the double tongue.