15
But above all pray to the Most High that he may direct your way in truth.
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,
21
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.
23
A wise person instructs his own people, and the fruits of his good sense will endure.
24
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.