4. he taught me, and he said to me:“Let your heart lay hold of my words; keep my commands so that you will live.
5. Acquire wisdom, acquire understanding;do not forget and do not turn aside from the words I speak.
6. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;love her, and she will guard you.
7. Wisdom is supreme – so acquire wisdom,and whatever you acquire, acquire understanding!
8. Esteem her highly and she will exalt you;she will honor you if you embrace her.
9. She will place a fair garland on your head;she will bestow a beautiful crown on you.”
10. Listen, my child, and accept my words,so that the years of your life will be many.
11. I will guide you in the way of wisdomand I will lead you in upright paths.
12. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered,and when you run, you will not stumble.
13. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;protect it, because it is your life.
14. Do not enter the path of the wickedor walk in the way of those who are evil.
15. Avoid it, do not go on it;turn away from it, and go on.
16. For they cannot sleep unless they cause harm;they are robbed of sleep until they make someone stumble.
17. For they eat bread gained from wickednessand drink wine obtained from violence.