⁴ to give shrewdness^[a] to the simple,
    knowledge and purpose^[b] to the young,

²¹ My child, may they^[a] not escape from your sight;^[b]
    may you keep sound wisdom and prudence.
²² They shall be life for your soul^[c]
    and adornment^[d] for your neck.
²³ Then you will walk in the confidence of your ways,
    and your foot will not stumble.
²⁴ If you sit down, you will not panic,^[e]
    and if you lie down, then your sleep shall be sweet.
²⁵ Do not be afraid of sudden panic,^[f]
    or the storm of wickedness that will come.
²⁶ Yahweh will be your confidence^[g]
    and guard your foot from capture.

4 Children, listen to the instruction of a father,
    and be attentive in order to know insight.
² For I have given you good instruction;
    do not forsake my teaching.
³ When I was a son to my father,
    tender and alone before my mother,
⁴ he taught me and said to me,
    “May your heart hold fast to my words;
    guard my commandments and live.
⁵ Get wisdom and insight;
    do not forget and do not turn from the sayings of my mouth.
⁶ Do not forsake her—then she will guard you;
    love her and she will keep you.
⁷ The beginning of wisdom: Get wisdom!
    With all that is in your possession, gain insight.

9 Wisdom has built her house;
    she has hewn her seven pillars.
² She has slaughtered her slaughtering, mixed her wine,
    and also set her table.
³ She has sent her servant girls,^[a] she calls
    upon the wings of the high places of town,
⁴ “Whoever is simple, let him turn here.”
    As for the one who lacks sense,^[b] she says to him,
⁵ “Come, eat with my bread;
    drink with the wine I have mixed.
⁶ Lay aside simplicity and live;
    walk in the way of understanding.”

¹⁰ The start of wisdom is fear of Yahweh,
    and knowledge of the Holy One,^[a] insight.

⁸ The wisdom of the clever is understanding his ways,
    but the folly of fools is deceit.

¹⁵ The simple will believe every word,
    but the clever will consider his step.

⁵ The plans of the diligent only lead to abundance,
    but all who are hasty, only to want.