Sirach 22:25-27

Revised Standard Version

²⁵ I will not be ashamed to protect a friend,
    and I will not hide from him;
²⁶ but if some harm should happen to me because of him,
    whoever hears of it will beware of him.

²⁷ O that a guard were set over my mouth,
    and a seal of prudence upon my lips,
that it may keep me from falling,
    so that my tongue may not destroy me!^[a]