22 Do not be too severe on yourself, do not let shame lead you to ruin. 23 Do not refrain from speaking when it will do good, and do not hide your wisdom; 24 for your wisdom is made known by what you say, your erudition by the words you utter. 25 Do not contradict the truth, rather blush for your own ignorance. 26 Do not be ashamed to confess your sins, do not struggle against the current of the river. 27 Do not grovel to the foolish, do not show partiality to the influential. 28 Fight to the death for truth, and the Lord God will war on your side. (Sirach 4: 22-28)