True and False Wisdom

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,e

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.f

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.

26 One who is wise among his people will inherit honor,g

and his name will live forever.