To know [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction; To discern and comprehend the words of understanding and insight,

The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; But arrogant fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline.

Wisdom Warns

Wisdom shouts in the street, She raises her voice in the markets;

“If you will turn and pay attention to my rebuke, Behold, I [Wisdom] will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.

“Then they will call upon me (Wisdom), but I will not answer; They will seek me eagerly but they will not find me,

“But whoever listens to me (Wisdom) will live securely and in confident trust And will be at ease, without fear or dread of evil.”

The Pursuit of Wisdom Brings Security

My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you,

So that your ear is attentive to [skillful and godly] wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding [seeking it conscientiously and striving for it eagerly];

If you seek skillful and godly wisdom as you would silver And search for her as you would hidden treasures;

For the Lord gives [skillful and godly] wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

He stores away sound wisdom for the righteous [those who are in right standing with Him]; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity [those of honorable character and moral courage],

For [skillful and godly] wisdom will enter your heart And knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

The Rewards of Wisdom

My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments;

Happy [blessed, considered fortunate, to be admired] is the man who finds [skillful and godly] wisdom, And the man who gains understanding and insight [learning from God’s word and life’s experiences],

For wisdom’s profit is better than the profit of silver, And her gain is better than fine gold.

The Lord by His wisdom has founded the earth; By His understanding He has established the heavens.

My son, let them not escape from your sight, But keep sound wisdom and discretion,

“Get [skillful and godly] wisdom! Acquire understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation]! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.

“Do not turn away from her (Wisdom) and she will guard and protect you; Love her, and she will watch over you.

“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].

“Prize wisdom [and exalt her], and she will exalt you; She will honor you if you embrace her.

I have instructed you in the way of [skillful and godly] wisdom; I have led you in upright paths.

Pitfalls of Immorality

My son, be attentive to my wisdom [godly wisdom learned by costly experience], Incline your ear to my understanding;

Say to [skillful and godly] wisdom, “You are my sister,” And regard understanding and intelligent insight as your intimate friends;

The Commendation of Wisdom

Does not wisdom call, And understanding lift up her voice?