[1] My son, pay attention to what I say. Remember my commands. [2] Listen to wisdom, and do your best to understand. [3] Ask for good judgment. Cry out for understanding. [4] Look for wisdom like silver. Search for it like hidden treasure. [5] If you do this, you will understand what it means to respect the LORD, and you will come to know God. [6] The LORD is the source of wisdom; knowledge and understanding come from his mouth. [7] He gives good advice to honest people and shields those who do what is right. [8] He makes sure that people are treated fairly. He watches over his loyal followers. [9] If you listen to him, you will understand what is just and fair and how to do what is right. [10] You will gain wisdom, and knowledge will bring you joy. [11] Planning ahead will protect you, and understanding will guard you. [12] These will keep you from following the wrong path and will protect you from those who have evil plans. [13] Such people have left the straight path and now walk in darkness. [14] They enjoy doing evil and are happy with the confusion it brings. [15] Their ways are crooked; they lie and cheat. [16] Wisdom will save you from that other woman, another man's wife, who tempts you with sweet words. [17] She married when she was young, but then she left her husband. She forgot the marriage vows she made before God. [18] Going into her house leads to death. She will lead you to the grave. [19] All who enter lose their life and never return. [20] Wisdom will help you follow the example of good people and stay on the right path. [21] Honest people will live in the land, and those who do right will remain there. [22] But the wicked will be forced to leave. Those who lie and cheat will be thrown out of the land.
