Wisdom of Ben Sira 22:15-17

New Catholic Bible

¹⁵ Sand, salt, and a lump of iron
    are easier to bear than a stupid man.
¹⁶ A wooden beam firmly bonded into a building
    is not dislodged by an earthquake.
So, too, a mind firmly resolved after due reflection
    will not be shaken in a moment of crisis.
¹⁷ A mind based on intelligent reflection
    is like fine decoration on a smooth wall.