Wisdom’s Gifts

1 He who fears the Lord will do this. He who holds to the law will obtain her.⁠a 2 She will meet him like a mother, and receive him like a wife married in her virginity.⁠b 3 She will feed him with bread of understanding and give him water of wisdom to drink. 4 He will lean on her and will not be shaken. He will rely on her and will not be put to shame. 5 She will exalt him above his neighbors. She will open his mouth in the middle of the congregation. 6 He will inherit joy, a crown of gladness, and an everlasting name.

7 Foolish men will not obtain her. Sinners will not see her. 8 She is far from pride. Liars will not remember her. 9 Praise is not fitting in a sinner’s mouth, for it was not sent to him from the Lord.⁠c 10 For praise will be spoken in wisdom, and the Lord will make it flourish.

Human Freedom and Responsibility

11 Don’t say, “It is through the Lord that I fell away,” for you must not do the things that he hates.⁠d 12 Don’t say, “He caused me to go wrong,” for he has no need of a sinful man. 13 The Lord hates every detestable thing, and those who fear him don’t love them.⁠e

14 He himself made man from the beginning and left him in the hands of his own judgment.⁠f 15 If you choose, you can keep the commandments. To be faithful is a matter of your choice. 16 He has set fire and water before you. You will reach out your hand to whichever you desire. 17 Life and death are before a man. Whichever he desires will be given to him.⁠g

18 For the wisdom of the Lord is great. He is mighty in power, and sees all things. 19 His eyes are on those who fear him. He knows every act of man. 20 He has not commanded any man to be ungodly. He has not given any man permission to sin.