⁴ “I want to make the simpleminded wise!” he said. “I want to warn young men about some problems they will face.

²¹ Have two goals: wisdom—that is, knowing and doing right—and common sense. Don’t let them slip away, ²² for they fill you with living energy and bring you honor and respect.^{[a] 23} They keep you safe from defeat and disaster and from stumbling off the trail. ^24-26 With them on guard you can sleep without fear; you need not be afraid of disaster or the plots of wicked men, for the Lord is with you; he protects you.

4 ^1-2 Young men, listen to me as you would to your father. Listen, and grow wise, for I speak the truth—don’t turn away. ³ For I, too, was once a son, tenderly loved by my mother as an only child, and the companion of my father. ⁴ He told me never to forget his words. “If you follow them,” he said, “you will have a long and happy life. ⁵ Learn to be wise,” he said, “and develop good judgment and common sense! I cannot overemphasize this point.”^{[a] 6} Cling to wisdom—she will protect you. Love her—she will guard you.

⁷ Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And with your wisdom, develop common sense and good judgment.

5 Listen to me, my son! I know what I am saying; listen! ² Watch yourself, lest you be indiscreet and betray some vital information.

9 Wisdom has built a palace supported on seven pillars, ² and has prepared a great banquet, and mixed the wines, ³ and sent out her maidens inviting all to come. She calls from the busiest intersections in the city, ⁴ “Come, you simple ones without good judgment; ⁵ come to wisdom’s banquet and drink the wines that I have mixed. ⁶ Leave behind your foolishness and begin to live; learn how to be wise.”