⁷ With nine thoughts I have gladdened my heart,
    and a tenth I shall tell with my tongue:
a man rejoicing in his children;
    a man who lives to see the downfall of his foes;
⁸ happy is he who lives with an intelligent wife,
    and he who has not made a slip with his tongue,
    and he who has not served a man inferior to himself;
⁹ happy is he who has gained good sense,
    and he who speaks to attentive listeners.
¹⁰ How great is he who has gained wisdom!
    But there is no one superior to him who fears the Lord.
¹¹ The fear of the Lord surpasses everything;
    to whom shall be likened the one who holds it fast?^[a]