19. [True] wisdom is a strength to the wise man more than ten rulers or valiant generals who are in the city. [Ps. 127:1; II Tim. 3:15.]
20. Surely there is not a righteous man upon earth who does good and never sins. [Isa. 53:6; Rom. 3:23.]
21. Do not give heed to everything that is said, lest you hear your servant cursing you–
22. For often your own heart knows that you have likewise cursed others.
23. All this have I tried and proved by wisdom. I said, I will be wise [independently of God]–but it was far from me.