^7-9 How does a man become wise? The first step is to trust and reverence the Lord!

Only fools refuse to be taught. Listen to your father and mother. What you learn from them will stand you in good stead; it will gain you many honors.^[a]

2 ^1-2 Every young man who listens to me and obeys my instructions will be given wisdom and good sense. ^3-5 Yes, if you want better insight and discernment, and are searching for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure, then wisdom will be given you and knowledge of God himself; you will soon learn the importance of reverence for the Lord and of trusting him.

^7-8 Don’t be conceited, sure of your own wisdom. Instead, trust and reverence the Lord, and turn your back on evil; when you do that, then you will be given renewed health and vitality.

¹³ If anyone respects and fears God, he will hate evil. For wisdom hates pride, arrogance, corruption, and deceit of every kind.

¹⁰ For the reverence and fear of God are basic to all wisdom. Knowing God results in every other kind of understanding.

²⁷ Reverence for God adds hours to each day;^[a] so how can the wicked expect a long, good life?

² To do right honors God; to sin is to despise him.

²⁶ Reverence for God gives a man deep strength; his children have a place of refuge and security.

²⁷ Reverence for the Lord is a fountain of life; its waters keep a man from death.

¹⁶ Better a little with reverence for God than great treasure and trouble with it.

³³ Humility and reverence for the Lord will make you both wise and honored.