Holy Scripture
Sirach 37:16
A church father on this verse
“Ecclesiasticus says: 'Before all works let a true word precede you, and before every act a stable counsel.' The true word, which can neither be deceived nor deceive, is the only-begotten Son of God and his doctrine and his life. Let this word precede you and this stable counsel. Stable counsel is none other than that…”
Source: Septuagint
Original
16Let reason go before every enterprize, And counsel before every action.
Modern
Preparing…
Teens
Preparing…
Kids
Preparing…
In context
14For a man’s mind is sometime wont to tell him more Than seven watchmen, that sit above in a high tower.
15And above all this pray to the most High, That he will direct thy way in truth.
— Sirach 37:16 —
17The countenance is a sign of changing of the heart.
18Four manners of things appear: good and evil, life and death: But the tongue ruleth over them continually.