16
Discussion is the beginning of every work, and counsel precedes every undertaking.
17
The mind is the root of all conduct;
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it sprouts four branches, good and evil, life and death; and it is the tongue that continually rules them.
19
Some people may be clever enough to teach many, and yet be useless to themselves.
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A skillful speaker may be hated; he will be destitute of all food,
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for the Lord has withheld the gift of charm, since he is lacking in all wisdom.
22
If a person is wise to his own advantage, the fruits of his good sense will be praiseworthy.
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A wise person instructs his own people, and the fruits of his good sense will endure.
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A wise person will have praise heaped upon him, and all who see him will call him happy.
25
The days of a person's life are numbered, but the days of Israel are without number.
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One who is wise among his people will inherit honor, and his name will live forever.