1. My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and lay up my commandments with thee;
2. So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
3. Yea, if thou cry after discernment, and lift up thy voice for understanding;
4. If thou seek her as silver, and search for her as for hid treasures;
5. Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
6. For the LORD giveth wisdom; out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding:
7. He layeth up sound wisdom for the upright, he is a shield to them that walk in integrity;
8. That he may guard the paths of judgment, and preserve the way of his saints.
9. Then shalt thou understand righteousness and judgment, and equity, yea, every good path.
10. For wisdom shall enter into thine heart, and knowledge shall be pleasant unto thy soul;
11. Discretion shall watch over thee, understanding shall keep thee:
12. To deliver thee from the way of evil, from the men that speak froward things;