Ben Sira 37:18

18 it sprouts four branches, good and evil, life and death; and it is the tongue that continually rules them.

Ben Sira 37:18 In-Context

16 Discussion is the beginning of every work, and counsel precedes every undertaking.

17 The mind is the root of all conduct;

18 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.

20 A skillful speaker may be hated; he will be destitute of all food,

Footnotes

• [a]. Heb: Gk [As a clue to changes of heart four kinds of destiny appear]