⁵ may the wise hear and increase learning,
    and the one who understands gain direction,^[a]
6 to understand a proverb and an expression,
    words of wisdom and their riddles.
⁷ Fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge;
    wisdom and instruction, fools despise.

⁸ My child, may you keep^[b] your father’s instruction,
    and do not reject your mother’s teachings,
⁹ for they are a garland of favor for your head,
    and pendants for your neck.

²³ May you turn to my argument!^[a]
    Behold, I shall pour out my spirit upon you;
    I will make my words known to you.

2 My child, if you will receive^[a] my sayings,
    and hide my commands with you,
² in order to incline your ear toward wisdom,
    then you shall apply your heart to understanding.
³ For if you cry out for understanding,^[b]
    if you lift^[c] your voice for insight,
⁴ if you seek her like silver
    and search her out like treasure,^[d]
5 then you will understand the fear of Yahweh,
    and the knowledge of God you will find.
⁶ For Yahweh will give wisdom;
    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.