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13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
    the man who gets understanding.
14 For her good profit is better than getting silver,
    and her return is better than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies.
    None of the things you can desire are to be compared to her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand.
    In her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness.
    All her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her.
    Happy is everyone who retains her.
19 By wisdom Yahweh founded the earth.
    By understanding, he established the heavens.
20 By his knowledge, the depths were broken up,
    and the skies drop down the dew.
21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes.
    Keep sound wisdom and discretion:
22 so they will be life to your soul,
    and grace for your neck.
23 Then you shall walk in your way securely.
    Your foot won’t stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid.
    Yes, you will lie down, and your sleep will be sweet.
25 Don’t be afraid of sudden fear,
    neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it comes;
26 for Yahweh will be your confidence,
    and will keep your foot from being taken.

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The True Wealth

13 Happy are those who find wisdom
    and those who get understanding,
14 for her income is better than silver
    and her revenue better than gold.(A)
15 She is more precious than jewels,
    and nothing you desire can compare with her.(B)
16 Long life is in her right hand;
    in her left hand are riches and honor.(C)
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
    and all her paths are peace.(D)
18 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her;
    those who hold her fast are called happy.(E)

God’s Wisdom in Creation

19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth;
    by understanding he established the heavens;(F)
20 by his knowledge the deeps broke open,
    and the clouds drop down the dew.(G)

The True Security

21 My child, do not let these escape from your sight:
    keep sound wisdom and prudence,
22 and they will be life for your soul
    and adornment for your neck.(H)
23 Then you will walk on your way securely,
    and your foot will not stumble.(I)
24 If you sit down,[a] you will not be afraid;
    when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 Then you will not be afraid of sudden panic
    or of the storm that strikes the wicked,(J)
26 for the Lord will be your confidence
    and will keep your foot from being caught.

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Footnotes

  1. 3.24 Gk: Heb lie down