Sirach 19:15-17

Revised Standard Version

¹⁵Question a friend, for often it is slander;
    so do not believe everything you hear.
¹⁶A person may make a slip without intending it.
    Who has never sinned with his tongue?
¹⁷Question your neighbor before you threaten him;
    and let the law of the Most High take its course.^[a]

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Footnotes

Sirach 19:17 Other authorities add and do not be angry. ¹⁸The fear of the Lord is the beginning of acceptance, and wisdom obtains his love. ¹⁹The knowledge of the Lord’s commandments is life-giving discipline; and those who do what is pleasing to him enjoy the fruit of the tree of immortality.

Revised Standard Version (RSV)

Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.