Sirach 37:16

Speech and moderation

16 Speech is the beginning of every deed, and planning comes before every action.

Sirach 37:16 In-Context

14 At times a person's intuition keeps them informed better than seven sentries sitting high up on a lookout.

15 But above everything else, pray to the Most High, so that he may make your path straight in truth.

16 Speech is the beginning of every deed, and planning comes before every action.

17 The key to change is the heart;

18 it poses four possibilities: good and evil, life and death, and their continual master is the tongue.