Sirach 20:6
Good News Translation
Some people keep quiet because they don't have anything to say; others keep quiet because they know the right time to speak.

New Revised Standard Version
Some people keep silent because they have nothing to say, while others keep silent because they know when to speak.

Contemporary English Version
Their silence may just mean they have nothing to say. Or it may mean they are waiting for the right time to speak,

New American Bible
One is silent, having nothing to say; another is silent, biding his time.

Douay-Rheims Bible
There is one that holdeth his peace, because he knoweth not what to say: and there is another that holdeth his peace, knowing the proper time.

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

There is one that holdeth his peace, because he knoweth not what to say: and there is another that holdeth his peace, knowing the proper time.

Sirach 20:4
How good is it, when thou art reproved, to shew repentance! for so thou shalt escape wilful sin.

Sirach 20:5
There is one that holdeth his peace, that is found wise: and there is another that is hateful, that is bold in speech.

Sirach 20:7
A wise man will hold his peace till he see opportunity: but a babbler, and a fool, will regard no time.

Sirach 20:8
He that useth many words shall hurt his own soul: and he that taketh authority to himself unjustly shall be hated.

Context
Sirach 20
5There is one that holdeth his peace, that is found wise: and there is another that is hateful, that is bold in speech. 6There is one that holdeth his peace, because he knoweth not what to say: and there is another that holdeth his peace, knowing the proper time. 7A wise man will hold his peace till he see opportunity: but a babbler, and a fool, will regard no time.…
Cross References
Sirach 20:4
How good is it, when thou art reproved, to shew repentance! for so thou shalt escape wilful sin.

Sirach 20:5
There is one that holdeth his peace, that is found wise: and there is another that is hateful, that is bold in speech.

Sirach 20:7
A wise man will hold his peace till he see opportunity: but a babbler, and a fool, will regard no time.

Sirach 20:8
He that useth many words shall hurt his own soul: and he that taketh authority to himself unjustly shall be hated.



(Sir. Si Ecclesiasticus eccles eccl)

Sirach 20:5
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