If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.

The Value of Wisdom

My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you,

yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding,

if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures,

If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her.

When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble.

Practical Warnings

My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, have given your pledge for a stranger,

if you are snared in the words of your mouth, caught in the words of your mouth,

If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

A man of great wrath will pay the penalty, for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again.

for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.

If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?

and put a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite.

Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die.

If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol.

If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.

If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according to his work?

Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.

If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it.

If you have been foolish, exalting yourself, or if you have been devising evil, put your hand on your mouth.