-
To rescue you from the strange woman, From the foreign woman who flatters with her words,
-
For her house sinks down to death, And her tracks lead to the dead;
-
So you will walk in the way of good people And keep to the paths of the righteous.
-
The Rewards of Wisdom
My son, do not forget my teaching, But have your heart comply with my commandments;
-
So you will find favor and a good reputation In the sight of God and man.
-
In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
-
My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord Or loathe His rebuke,
-
For whom the Lord loves He disciplines, Just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.
-
For her profit is better than the profit of silver, And her produce better than gold.
-
She is more precious than jewels, And nothing you desire compares with her.
-
She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are those who hold on to her.
-
My son, see that they do not escape from your sight; Comply with sound wisdom and discretion,
-
And they will be life to your soul And adornment to your neck.
-
Then you will walk in your way securely, And your foot will not stumble.
-
When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
-
Do not be afraid of sudden danger, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;
-
Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it to you,” When you have it with you.
-
Do not devise harm against your neighbor, While he lives securely beside you.
-
Though He scoffs at the scoffers, Yet He gives grace to the needy.
-
A Father’s Instruction
Listen, my sons, to the instruction of a father, And pay attention so that you may gain understanding,
-
When I was a son to my father, Tender and the only son in the sight of my mother,
-
He taught me and said to me, “Let your heart take hold of my words; Keep my commandments and live;
-
Do not abandon her, and she will guard you; Love her, and she will watch over you.
-
Prize her, and she will exalt you; She will honor you if you embrace her.
-
She will place on your head a garland of grace; She will present you with a crown of beauty.”
