15. And above all this entreat the Most High, That he may direct your way in truth.
16. Let reason be the beginning of every work, And let counsel go before every action.
17. As a token of the changing of the heart,
18. four manner of things do rise up, Good and evil, life and death; And that which rules over them continually is the tongue.
19. There is one that is shrewd and the instructor of many, And yet is unprofitable to his own soul.
20. There is one that is subtil in words, and is hated; He shall be destitute of all food:
21. For grace was not given him from the Lord; Because he is deprived of all wisdom.
22. There is one that is wise to his own soul; And the fruits of his understanding are trustworthy in the mouth.
23. A wise man will instruct his own people; And the fruits of his understanding are trustworthy.
24. A wise man shall be filled with blessing; And all they that see him shall call him happy.
25. The life of man is counted by days; And the days of Israel are innumerable.
26. The wise man shall inherit confidence among his people, And his name shall live for ever.
27. My son, prove your soul in your life, And see what is evil for it, and give not that to it.