Sirach 22:16-18

Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

¹⁶ A wooden beam firmly bonded into a building
    will not be torn loose by an earthquake;
so the mind firmly fixed on a reasonable counsel
    will not be afraid in a crisis.
¹⁷ A mind settled on an intelligent thought
    is like the stucco decoration on the wall of a colonnade.^[a]
18 Fences set on a high place
    will not stand firm against the wind;
so a timid heart with a fool’s purpose
    will not stand firm against any fear.