⁴ “I want to make the simpleminded wise!” he said. “I want to warn young men about some problems they will face. ^5-6 I want those already wise to become wiser and become leaders by exploring the depths of meaning in these nuggets of truth.”

^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]

^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.

⁶ For the Lord grants wisdom! His every word is a treasure of knowledge and understanding.

¹⁰ For wisdom and truth will enter the very center of your being, filling your life with joy. ^11-13 You will be given the sense to stay away from evil men who want you to be their partners in crime—men who turn from God’s ways to walk down dark and evil paths

⁹ My words are plain and clear to anyone with half a mind—if it is only open! ¹⁰ My instruction is far more valuable than silver or gold.”

¹¹ For the value of wisdom is far above rubies; nothing can be compared with it. ¹² Wisdom and good judgment live together, for wisdom knows where to discover knowledge and understanding.

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

¹⁴ A wise man holds his tongue. Only a fool blurts out everything he knows; that only leads to sorrow and trouble.

⁹ Evil words destroy; godly skill rebuilds.^[a]

²³ A wise man doesn’t display his knowledge, but a fool displays his foolishness.

⁶ A mocker never finds the wisdom he claims he is looking for, yet it comes easily to the man with common sense.

⁷ If you are looking for advice, stay away from fools.

¹⁸ The simpleton is crowned with folly; the wise man is crowned with knowledge.