Sirach 22:9-18

Common English Bible

⁹ Whoever teaches a fool
is gluing together a broken pot
    or waking up someone
    out of a deep sleep.
¹⁰ Whoever talks with a fool
converses with someone who is drowsy;
    when the conversation is over,
    the fool will say, “What is it?
¹¹ Weep for the dead,
for they have left the light behind;
        and weep for fools,
        for they have
        left understanding behind.
    Weep sweetly over the dead,
    because they are at rest,
        but the life of a fool is worse
        than death.
¹² Mourn for the dead for seven days,
    but mourn for the foolish and the ungodly all the days of their lives.

¹³ Don’t talk a lot with fools,
    and don’t go to the unintelligent.^[a]
Be on guard against them
so that you don’t have trouble
    and don’t get dirty
    when they shake themselves off.
Stay away from them
and you will find rest,
    and their senselessness
    won’t make you weary.
¹⁴ What’s heavier than lead?
    And what name does it have but “Fool”?
¹⁵ Sand, salt, and a lump of iron
    are easier to bear
    than an unintelligent person.

¹⁶ A wooden beam fastened into a building
        won’t be loosened by an earthquake.
    So a heart firmly set
    on thoughtful counsel
        won’t be afraid at any time.
¹⁷ A heart fixed on thoughtful understanding
    is like an engraved ornament
    on a smooth wall.
¹⁸ A protective barrier set on a high place
        will never endure against the wind.
    So a timid heart backed up
    by a fool’s plan
        will never endure against any fear.