Ben Sira 37:17-27

17 And establish within thyself a heart of good counsel: for there is no other thing of more worth to thee than it.
18 The soul of a holy man discovereth sometimes true things, more than seven watchmen that sit in a high piece to watch.
19 But above all these things pray to the most High, that he may direct thy way in truth.
20 In all thy works let the true word go before thee, and steady counsel before every action.
21 A wicked word shall change the beast: out of which four manner of things arise, good and evil, life and death: and the tongue is continually the ruler of them. There is a man that is subtle and a teacher of many, and yet is unprofitable to his own soul.
22 A skilful man hath taught many, and is sweet to his own soul.
23 He that speaketh sophistically, is hateful: he shall be destitute of every thing.
24 Grace is not given him from the Lord: for he is deprived of all wisdom.
25 There is a wise man that is wise to his own soul: and the fruit of his understanding is commendable.
26 A wise man instructeth his own people, and the fruits of his understanding are faithful.
27 A wise man shall be filled with blessings, and they that see shall praise him.
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