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Moral Benefits of Wisdom
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,
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and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,
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He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
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For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
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Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse,
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who have left the straight paths to walk in dark ways,
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Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words,
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who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God.
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Surely her house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead.
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Wisdom Bestows Well-Being
My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,
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Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
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in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
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Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.
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My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke,
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because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
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for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.
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She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.
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She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.
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By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place;
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My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion;
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Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.
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When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
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Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
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for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.
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Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”— when you already have it with you.
