Ben Sira 8:9

9 Pay attention to what old people say, for they learned from those who came before them. You can learn from them, and they can teach you how to have an answer ready when you need one.

Ben Sira 8:9 In-Context

7 Don't be happy over the death of anyone; remember that all of us must die.
8 Do not disregard what the wise have said. Study their proverbs; from them you can learn to be cultured and to serve great people.
9 Pay attention to what old people say, for they learned from those who came before them. You can learn from them, and they can teach you how to have an answer ready when you need one.
10 You should not provide a sinner with more opportunity to sin. You might get hurt yourself; it's as easy as getting burned while adding logs to a fire.
11 You should not get up and walk out on someone who is insolent. He might twist your words and use them against you.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.