⁷ I thought, ‘Age should speak;
    advanced years should teach wisdom.’^(A)

³¹ Gray hair is a crown of splendor;^(A)
    it is attained in the way of righteousness.

¹² Is not wisdom found among the aged?^(A)
    Does not long life bring understanding?^(B)

² for gaining wisdom and instruction;
    for understanding words of insight;
³ for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
    doing what is right and just and fair;
⁴ for giving prudence to those who are simple,^[a](D)
    knowledge and discretion^(E) to the young—

¹¹ Come, my children, listen^(A) to me;
    I will teach you^(B) the fear of the Lord.^(C)
12 Whoever of you loves life^(D)
    and desires to see many good days,

⁸ “Ask the former generation^(A)
    and find out what their ancestors learned,
⁹ for we were born only yesterday and know nothing,^(B)
    and our days on earth are but a shadow.^(C)
10 Will they not instruct^(D) you and tell you?
    Will they not bring forth words from their understanding?^(E)