19 Learn before you speak.

Take care of your health before you get sick.

20 Before judgement, examine yourself,

and in the hour of scrutiny you’ll find forgiveness.

21 Humble yourself before you get sick.

In the time of sins, repent.

22 Let nothing hinder you to pay your vow in due time.

Don’t wait until death to be released.

23 Before you make a vow, prepare yourself.

Don’t be like a man who tests the master.

24 Think about the anger coming in the days of the end,

and the time of vengeance, when he turns away his face.

25 In the days of fullness remember the time of hunger.

Remember poverty and lack in the days of wealth.

26 From morning until evening, the time changes.

All things are speedy before the master.

27 A wise man is cautious in everything.

In days of sinning, he’ll beware of offence.[fn]

28 Every man of understanding knows wisdom.

He’ll give thanks to him who found her.

29 They who were of understanding in sayings also became wise themselves,

and poured out apt proverbs.