Ben Sira 33:4

4 Prepare what you are going to say and people will listen to you. Use what you have learned before you start talking.

Ben Sira 33:4 In-Context

2 A person who has no use for the Law doesn't have good sense, and anyone who is insincere about it is going to be tossed about like a boat in a storm.
3 If you are wise, you will believe in the Law; you will find it as reliable as the sacred lots.
4 Prepare what you are going to say and people will listen to you. Use what you have learned before you start talking.
5 A foolish person's mind works like a cartwheel, going round and round in circles.
6 A sarcastic friend is like a wild horse that neighs no matter who tries to ride him.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.