⁴ to give subtlety to the simple,
    to the young man knowledge and discretion—

4 Hear, O children, the instruction of a father,
    and attend to know understanding.
² For I give you good precepts;
    do not forsake my teaching.
³ For I was my father’s son,
    tender and the only beloved in the sight of my mother.
⁴ He also taught me and said to me,
    “Let your heart retain my words;
    keep my commandments, and live.
⁵ Get wisdom! Get understanding!
    Do not forget it, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
⁶ Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you;
    love her, and she will keep you.
⁷ Wisdom is principal; therefore get wisdom.
    And with all your getting, get understanding.

5 My son, attend to my wisdom,
    and bow your ear to my understanding,
² that you may regard discretion,
    and that your lips may keep knowledge.

9 Wisdom has built her house,
    she has hewn out her seven pillars;
² she has killed her beasts, she has mixed her wine,
    she has also furnished her table.
³ She has sent out her maidens,
    she cries out from the highest places of the city,
⁴ “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here.”
    As for him who wants understanding, she says to him,
⁵ “Come, eat of my bread,
    and drink of the wine which I have mixed.
⁶ Forsake foolishness and live,
    and go in the way of understanding.”