⁴ to teach shrewdness to the simple,
    knowledge and prudence to the young—^(A)
5 let the wise, too, hear and gain in learning
    and the discerning acquire skill,^(B)
6 to understand a proverb and a figure,
    the words of the wise and their riddles.

³ if you indeed cry out for insight
    and raise your voice for understanding,
⁴ if you seek it like silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasures—^(A)
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
    and find the knowledge of God.^(B)
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;^(C)

¹⁰ for wisdom will come into your heart,
    and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;
¹¹ prudence will watch over you,
    and understanding will guard you.
¹² It will save you from the way of evil,
    from those who speak perversely,

⁹ They are all straight to one who understands
    and right to those who find knowledge.^(A)
10 Take my instruction instead of silver
    and knowledge rather than choice gold,^(B)
11 for wisdom is better than jewels,
    and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.^(C)
12 I, wisdom, live with prudence,
    and I attain knowledge and discretion.^(D)

¹⁰ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
    and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.^(A)

¹⁴ The wise lay up knowledge,
    but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.

⁹ With their mouths the godless would destroy their neighbors,
    but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.

²³ One who is clever conceals knowledge,
    but the mind of a fool^[a] broadcasts folly.^(A)

⁶ A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain,
    but knowledge is easy for one who understands.
⁷ Leave the presence of a fool,
    for there you do not find words of knowledge.