Sirach 13:10-12

Common English Bible

¹⁰ Don’t be forward,
or you might be rejected;
    and don’t stand far off,
    or you might be forgotten.
¹¹ Don’t think that you can speak
with them as an equal,
    and don’t trust in their
lengthy conversations,
        because they will test you
        with a lot of talking;
        and when they are smiling, they are really examining you.
¹² Those who won’t guard your secrets
are cruel,
    and they won’t spare you
    from mistreatment
    and imprisonment.