Speech and moderation
16 Speech is the beginning of every deed, and planning comes before every action.
17
The key to change is the heart;
18
it poses four possibilities: good and evil, life and death, and their continual master is the tongue.
19
Some people instruct many, but they are useless to themselves.
20
Some skilled speakers are hated; they will be deprived of any luxuries.
21
The Lord hasn't granted them any refinement, because they are deprived of any wisdom.
22
Some people are wise to their own benefit, and the fruits of their understanding are evident to all.
23
The wise will instruct their own people, and the fruits of their understanding are trustworthy.
24
Wise people will be highly praised, and everyone who sees them will consider them to be favored.
25
A person's life is a limited time, but Israel's days cannot be numbered.
26
Those who are wise among their people will inherit honor, and their names will live forever.
27
My child, test yourself during your life. See what's bad for you, and don't give in to it.
28
All things aren't beneficial to everybody, and all things aren't pleasing to every person. and don't be unrestrained with food.
29
Don't be greedy for every delicacy,
30
Eating a lot of food will make one sick, and gluttony will lead to nausea.
31
Many have died because of gluttony, but those who are on guard against it will prolong life.