The Harm of an Undisciplined Soul

1 Don’t become an enemy instead of a friend, for an evil name will inherit shame and disgrace. So it is with the sinner who speaks with two tongues. 2 Do not let your soul’s counsel make you arrogant, so that your soul is not torn apart like a bull. 3 You will eat up your leaves, destroy your fruit, and leave yourself like a dry tree. 4 A wicked soul will destroy him who has it, and will make him a laughingstock to his enemies.

True and False Friendship

5 Sweet words will multiply a man’s friends. A gracious tongue will multiply friendly greetings. 6 Let those that are at peace with you be many, but your adviser one in a thousand. 7 If you want to gain a friend, test him, and don’t be in a hurry to trust him. 8 For there is a friend just for an occasion. He won’t stay in your day of distress. 9 And there is a friend who turns into an enemy. He will reveal your quarrel to disgrace you. 10 And there is a friend who is a companion at the table, but he won’t stay in your day of distress.⁠a 11 In your prosperity he will be like you, and will act boldly toward your servants. 12 If you are brought low, he will be against you, and will hide himself from you. 13 Separate yourself from your enemies, and beware of your friends. 14 A faithful friend is a strong defense. He who has found him has found a treasure. 15 There is nothing that can be taken in exchange for a faithful friend. His worth is beyond price. 16 A faithful friend is a life-saving medicine.⁠b Those who fear the Lord will find him.⁠c 17 He who fears the Lord directs his friendship properly, for his neighbor is like him.

Learning Wisdom

18 My son, gather instruction from your youth. Even when you have gray hair you will find wisdom. 19 Come to her like someone who plows and sows and wait for her good fruit,⁠d for you will toil only a little in cultivating her, and you will soon eat her fruit. 20 How extremely harsh she is to the uneducated! He who is without understanding will not remain in her. 21 She will rest on him like a great stone that tests him. He won’t hesitate to throw her off. 22 For wisdom is true to her name. She is not revealed to many.

Wisdom’s Discipline and Reward

23 Listen, my son, and accept my judgment. Don’t refuse my advice. 24 Bring your feet into her shackles, and your neck into her chain.⁠e 25 Put your shoulder under her and bear her. Don’t be distressed by her bonds. 26 Come to her with all your soul. Keep her ways with your whole power.⁠f 27 Search and seek, and she will be made known to you. When you get hold of her, don’t let her go. 28 For in the end you will find her rest, and she will become your gladness. 29 Her shackles will be a strong covering for you, and her chains for a robe of glory. 30 For there is a golden ornament on her, and her bands are a purple cord. 31 You will put her on like a robe of glory, and will put her on like a crown of rejoicing.

Listening to the Wise

32 My son, if you are willing, you will be instructed. If you are willing to submit your soul, you will be prudent. 33 If you love to listen, you will receive. If you listen carefully, you will be wise.⁠g 34 Stand in the assembly of the elders. Attach yourself to whomever is wise. 35 Be willing to listen to every godly discussion. Don’t let the proverbs of understanding escape you.⁠h 36 If you see a man of understanding, get to him early. Let your foot wear out the steps of his doors. 37 Let your mind dwell on the decrees of the Lord and meditate continually on his commandments. He will establish your heart and your desire for wisdom will be given to you.