³ Do not let ^(A)kindness and truth leave you;
^(B)Bind them around your neck,
^(C)Write them on the tablet of your heart.
⁴ So you will ^(D)find favor and ^(E)good ^[a]repute
In the sight of God and man.

⁷ “^(A)The ^[a]beginning of wisdom is: ^(B)Acquire wisdom;
And with all your acquiring, get understanding.
⁸ “^(C)Prize her, and she will exalt you;
She will honor you if you embrace her.
⁹ “She will place ^(D)on your head a garland of grace;
She will present you with a crown of beauty.”

⁷ The ^(A)memory of the righteous is blessed,
But ^(B)the name of the wicked will rot.

¹⁶ A ^(A)gracious woman attains honor,
And ruthless men attain riches.

²⁶ He who withholds grain, the ^(A)people will curse him,
But ^(B)blessing will be on the head of him who ^(C)sells it.
²⁷ He who diligently seeks good seeks favor,
But ^(D)he who seeks evil, evil will come to him.

⁸ A man will be praised according to his insight,
But one of perverse ^[a]mind will be despised.

⁹ Better is he who is lightly esteemed and has a servant
Than he who honors himself and lacks bread.