Ben Sira 37:17

17 The mind concerns itself with four things: these are good and evil, life and death. They all begin in the mind, but the tongue is their absolute ruler.

Ben Sira 37:17 In-Context

15 Above all, pray to the Most High that he will show you the right thing to do.

16 Planning and thought lie behind everything that is done.

17 The mind concerns itself with four things: these are good and evil, life and death. They all begin in the mind, but the tongue is their absolute ruler.

19 Someone may have the ability to teach, but still not be of much use to himself.

Footnotes

• [a] [Hebrew] The mind . . . the mind; [Greek] There are four things that show the changes of the heart: good and evil, life and death.