16 Planning and thought lie behind everything that is done.
17-18 The mind concerns itself with four things: these are good and evil, life and death. They all begin in the mind, but the tongue is their absolute ruler.
19 Someone may have the ability to teach, but still not be of much use to himself.
20 He may be clever with words, but end up starving because people hate him.
21 This may happen if he doesn't have good sense, if the Lord has not given him tact.
22 Someone may consider himself wise and let you know that he is certain about what he knows.
23 Anyone who really is wise will be the teacher of his people, and they can be certain that what he teaches is the truth.