⁴ They make the ·uneducated [simpleminded; immature; naive] ·wise [prudent]
    and give knowledge and ·sense [discretion] to the young.

4 My ·children [^Lsons], listen to your father’s ·teaching [discipline; instruction];
    pay attention ·so you will understand [^Lto the knowledge of understanding].
² ·What I am telling you is good [^LI will give you good teaching],
    so do not ·forget [^Labandon; forsake] ·what I teach you [^Lmy instruction].
³ When I was a ·young boy in my father’s house [^Lson to my father]
    ·and like an only child to [^Ltender, and the only one of] my mother,
⁴ my father taught me and said,
    “Hold on to my words with all your heart.
    ·Keep [Guard] my commands and you will live.
⁵ ·Get [Acquire] wisdom and ·get [acquire] understanding.
    Don’t forget or ·ignore [turn away from] ·my words [^Lthe speeches of my mouth].
⁶ ·Hold on to wisdom [^LDon’t abandon her; ^CWisdom is here personified as a woman; 1:20–33; 8:1—9:6], and it [or she] will ·take care of [guard] you.
    Love ·it [or her], and ·it [or she] will ·keep you safe [protect you].
⁷ ·Wisdom is the most important thing; so get wisdom [^LThe beginning of wisdom is: Get/Acquire wisdom].
    ·If it costs everything you have [^LAbove all your acquisitions], ·get [acquire] understanding.

5 My son, pay attention to my wisdom;
    ·listen [^Lbend your ear] to my words of understanding.
² ·Be careful to use good sense [or So you might keep discrete]
    and ·watch what you say [^Lyour lips might protect knowledge].

9 Wisdom has built her house;
    she has made its seven ·columns [pillars; ^Ca large house].
² She has ·prepared her food [^Lslaughtered her slaughter] and prepared [mixed] her wine;
    she has set her table.
³ She has sent out her servant girls,
    and she calls out from the highest place in the city [^Cthe location of the Temple, indicating she symbolizes God].
⁴ She says to those who are ·uneducated [naive; immature; simpleminded],
    “·Come in [Turn aside] here, you ·foolish people [who lack sense]!
⁵ Come and eat my food
    and drink the wine I have ·prepared [mixed].
⁶ Stop your ·foolish [naive; immature; simpleminded] ways, and you will live;
    take the road of understanding.