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Wisdom of Ben Sira 18:15-17
New Catholic Bible
Wisdom of Ben Sira 18:15-17
New Catholic Bible
Excesses of the Tongue and Greed Are the Enemies of Wisdom[a]
The Manner of Giving Is Worth More than the Gift[b]
15 My child, do not temper your good deeds with reproach,
or spoil your gifts with harsh words.
16 Does not dew give relief from the heat?
In the same way, a word can do more than a gift.
17 Sometimes a word is better than an expensive gift;
both are the hallmark of a gracious person.
Footnotes
- Wisdom of Ben Sira 18:15 After a lengthy debate about the human condition entrusted to God’s mercy, the author sets forth anew a succession of practical counsels whose main themes we highlight.
- Wisdom of Ben Sira 18:15 The author stresses that in doing a charitable act the giver must be careful not to humiliate the receiver (v. 16).
