18 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire;
He rages against all ^[a]wise judgment.

2 My son, if you receive my words,
And ^(A)treasure my commands within you,
² So that you incline your ear to wisdom,
And apply your heart to understanding;
³ Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
And lift up your voice for understanding,
^4 (B)If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
^5 (C)Then you will understand the fear of the Lord,
And find the knowledge of God.
^6 (D)For the Lord gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;

^17 (A)I did not sit in the assembly of the mockers,
Nor did I rejoice;
I sat alone because of Your hand,
For You have filled me with indignation.

⁸ Yes, ^(A)in the way of Your judgments,
O Lord, we have ^(B)waited for You;
The desire of our soul is for Your name
And for the remembrance of You.
^9 (C)With my soul I have desired You in the night,
Yes, by my spirit within me I will seek You early;
For when Your judgments are in the earth,
The inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.