Given by: Jesus ben Sira (the sage), teaching on discretion, honest dealing, and reverent shame. Given to: 'my son' — the reader.

In a close-knit society bound by honour and reputation, the keeping of a confidence was the mark of a trustworthy person; Ben Sira commends discretion as winning favour and sparing shame.

Repeat not the word which thou hast heard, and disclose not the thing that is secret; so shalt thou be truly without confusion, and shall find favour before all men: be not ashamed of any of these things, and accept no person to sin thereby:

Guard what has been confided to you; do not repeat overheard words or betray a secret entrusted to your keeping.

Sirach 42:1

Your Spirit

Loves God

Loves Neighbor

Your Body

Moral Behaviour