“A brother said to Poemen, 'If I see something wrong do you want me to tell you about it?' He said to him, 'It is written, "If a man answers before he has heard, it is foolishness to him and discredit" (Sirach 11:8). If you are asked, speak; if not, say nothing.'”
Desert Fathers, 5th c. — The Desert Fathers, Sayings of the Early Christian Monks
Original
8Answer not before thou hast heard the cause: neither interrupt men in the midst of their talk.
Modern
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In context
6Many mighty men have been greatly disgraced; and the honourable delivered into other men’s hands.
7Blame not before thou hast examined the truth: understand first, and then rebuke.
— Sirach 11:8 —
9Strive not in a matter that concerneth thee not; and sit not in judgment with sinners.
10My son, meddle not with many matters: for if thou meddle much, thou shalt not be innocent; and if thou follow after, thou shalt not obtain, neither shalt thou escape by fleeing.