Sirach 20:9-17

Common English Bible

⁹ Some people have success
in bad circumstances,
    and there’s a windfall that results
    in loss.
¹⁰ There’s a gift that won’t profit you,
    and there’s a gift that will bring
    twice the return.
¹¹ There are losses suffered
for the sake of one’s reputation,
    and there are people who have raised
    their heads from humiliation.
¹² There are those who buy a lot for a little,
    and they pay for it seven times over.
¹³ Wise people make themselves
dearly loved by means of words,^[a]
    but fools pour out gifts.
¹⁴ Gifts from senseless people
won’t profit you,^[b]
    because they look for a lot
    rather than a little in return.^[c]
15 They will give a little and reproach a lot,
    and they will open their mouths
    like a town crier.
    Today they will lend
    and tomorrow ask for it back;
    such people are hateful.
¹⁶ Fools say, “I don’t have a friend,
    and there’s no gratitude
    for my good deeds.”
    Those who eat the bread of such people
    have mean tongues.
¹⁷ How many will ridicule them,
and how often?^[d]