16. A loyal friend is like a medicine that keeps you in good health. Only those who fear the Lord can find such a friend.
17. A person who fears the Lord can make real friendships, because he will treat his friends as he does himself.
18. My child, learn to value Wisdom while you are young, and you will still be able to find her when you grow old.
19. Work as hard to find Wisdom as a farmer works to plough and sow his fields; then you can expect a good harvest. You will have to work at it for a while, but you will soon be enjoying what you have earned.
20. Undisciplined people find Wisdom's demands too hard and don't have enough determination to meet them.
21. Her requirements are a burden heavier than they are willing to bear, and they quickly lay them aside.