Ben Sira 28:12-21 New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)

12. If you blow on a spark, it turns into flame,if you spit on it, it dies out;yet both you do with your mouth!

13. Cursed be gossips and the double-tongued,for they destroy the peace of many.

14. A meddlesome tongue subverts many,and makes them refugees among peoples.It destroys strong cities,and overthrows the houses of the great.

15. A meddlesome tongue drives virtuous women from their homes,and robs them of the fruit of their toil.

16. Whoever heed it will find no rest,nor will they dwell in peace.

17. A blow from a whip raises a welt,but a blow from the tongue will break bones.

18. Many have fallen by the edge of the sword,but not as many as by the tongue.

19. Happy the one who is sheltered from it,and has not endured its wrath;Who has not borne its yokenor been bound with its chains.

20. For its yoke is a yoke of iron,and its chains are chains of bronze;

21. The death it inflicts is an evil death,even Sheol is preferable to it.

Ben Sira 28