“Prepare what to say!
Then you will be heard.
Draw upon your instruction!
Draw upon your training!
Give your answer!
The heart of a fool is
Like a cart wheel.
His thoughts are
Like a turning axle.
A mocking friend is
Like a stallion.
He neighs no matter
Who the rider is.”
Sirach wants you to prepare yourself before you speak. Then when you speak, others will listen to you. You should draw upon your experience, instruction, and training when you speak. Thus you can give a correct answer. On the other hand, the heart and the thoughts of a fool are like cart wheels or turning axles, just spinning around without saying or doing anything. If you have a mocking friend, he is like a stallion that sounds off against its rider, no matter who he is. So too, this fool will complain about anything you say.