Sirach 5:12
King James VersionSource notes
“If thou hast understanding, answer thy neighbour; if not, lay thy hand upon thy mouth.”
Context
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.
15Be not ignorant of any thing in a great matter or a small.