We will find and take all kinds of precious possessions, We will fill our houses with spoil;

Throw in your lot with us [they insist]; We will all have one money bag [in common],”

And you treated all my counsel as nothing And would not accept my reprimand,

They would not accept my counsel, And they spurned all my rebuke.

Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].

It will be health to your body [your marrow, your nerves, your sinews, your muscles—all your inner parts] And refreshment (physical well-being) to your bones.

Honor the Lord with your wealth And with the first fruits of all your crops (income);

Her ways are highways of pleasantness and favor, And all her paths are peace.

“The beginning of wisdom is: Get [skillful and godly] wisdom [it is preeminent]! And with all your acquiring, get understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation].

For they are life to those who find them, And healing and health to all their flesh.

Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.

Consider well and watch carefully the path of your feet, And all your ways will be steadfast and sure.

Let her be as a loving hind and graceful doe, Let her breasts refresh and satisfy you at all times; Always be exhilarated and delight in her love.

For the ways of man are directly before the eyes of the Lord, And He carefully watches all of his paths [all of his comings and goings].

But when he is found, he must repay seven times [what he stole]; He must give all the property of his house [if necessary to meet his fine].

For she has cast down many [mortally] wounded; Indeed, all who were killed by her were strong.

“All the words of my mouth are in righteousness (upright, in right standing with God); There is nothing contrary to truth or perverted (crooked) in them.

“They are all straightforward to him who understands [with an open and willing mind], And right to those who find knowledge and live by it.

“For wisdom is better than rubies; And all desirable things cannot compare with her.

“By me princes rule, and nobles, All who judge and govern rightly.

“But he who fails to find me or sins against me injures himself; All those who hate me love and court death.”

The foolish woman is restless and noisy; She is naive and easily misled and thoughtless, and knows nothing at all [of eternal value].

The Lord will not allow the righteous to hunger [God will meet all his needs], But He will reject and cast away the craving of the wicked.

Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers and overwhelms all transgressions [forgiving and overlooking another’s faults].