³ Do not let mercy and truth forsake you;
    bind them around your neck,
    write them on the tablet of your heart,
⁴ so you will find favor and good understanding
    in the sight of God and man.

¹³ Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
    and the man who gets understanding;
¹⁴ for her benefit is more profitable than silver,
    and her gain than fine gold.
¹⁵ She is more precious than rubies,
    and all the things you may desire are not to be compared with her.
¹⁶ Length of days is in her right hand,
    and in her left hand riches and honor.
¹⁷ Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
    and all her paths are peace.
¹⁸ She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
    and happy is everyone who retains her.

⁷ The memory of the just is blessed,
    but the name of the wicked will rot.

¹⁶ A gracious woman retains honor,
    but ruthless men retain riches.

²⁶ The people will curse him who withholds grain,
    but blessing will be upon the head of him who sells it.

²⁷ He who diligently seeks good procures favor,
    but he who seeks mischief, it will come to him.

⁸ A man will be commended according to his wisdom,
    but he who is of a perverse heart will be despised.

⁹ He who is lightly esteemed and has a servant is better
    than he who honors himself and lacks bread.

¹⁵ Good understanding gives favor,
    but the way of transgressors is hard.