February 27th : First ReadingThe test of a man is in his conversationEcclesiasticus 27:5-8

February 27th :  First Reading

The test of a man is in his conversation

Ecclesiasticus 27:5-8 

In a shaken sieve the rubbish is left behind,

  so too the defects of a man appear in his talk.

The kiln tests the work of the potter,

  the test of a man is in his conversation.

The orchard where a tree grows is judged on the quality of its fruit,

  similarly a man’s words betray what he feels.

Do not praise a man before he has spoken,

  since this is the test of men.

The Word of the Lord.