1and do not become an enemy instead of a friend;

for a bad name incurs shame and reproach;

so it is with the double-tongued sinner.

2Do not fall into the grip of passion,6.2 Heb: Meaning of Gk uncertain

or you may be torn apart as by a bull.6.2 Meaning of Gk uncertain

3Your leaves will be devoured and your fruit destroyed,

and you will be left like a withered tree.

4Evil passion destroys those who have it,

and makes them the laughing-stock of their enemies.

Friendship, False and True

5Pleasant speech multiplies friends,

and a gracious tongue multiplies courtesies.

6Let those who are friendly with you be many,

but let your advisers be one in a thousand.

7When you gain friends, gain them through testing,

and do not trust them hastily.

8For there are friends who are such when it suits them,

but they will not stand by you in time of trouble.

9And there are friends who change into enemies,

and tell of the quarrel to your disgrace.

10And there are friends who sit at your table,

but they will not stand by you in time of trouble.

11When you are prosperous, they become your second self,

and lord it over your servants;

12but if you are brought low, they turn against you,

and hide themselves from you.

13Keep away from your enemies,

and be on guard with your friends.

14Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter:

whoever finds one has found a treasure.

15Faithful friends are beyond price;

no amount can balance their worth.

16Faithful friends are life-saving medicine;

and those who fear the Lord will find them.

17Those who fear the Lord direct their friendship aright,

for as they are, so are their neighbours also.

Blessings of Wisdom

18My child, from your youth choose discipline,

and when you have grey hair you will still find wisdom.

19Come to her like one who ploughs and sows,

and wait for her good harvest.

For when you cultivate her you will toil but little,

and soon you will eat of her produce.

20She seems very harsh to the undisciplined;

fools cannot remain with her.

21She will be like a heavy stone to test them,

and they will not delay in casting her aside.

22For wisdom is like her name;

she is not readily perceived by many.

23Listen, my child, and accept my judgement;

do not reject my counsel.

24Put your feet into her fetters,

and your neck into her collar.

25Bend your shoulders and carry her,

and do not fret under her bonds.

26Come to her with all your soul,

and keep her ways with all your might.

27Search out and seek, and she will become known to you;

and when you get hold of her, do not let her go.

28For at last you will find the rest she gives,

and she will be changed into joy for you.

29Then her fetters will become for you a strong defence,

and her collar a glorious robe.

30Her yoke6.30 Heb: Gk Upon her is a golden ornament,

and her bonds a purple cord.

31You will wear her like a glorious robe,

and put her on like a splendid crown.6.31 Heb: Gk crown of gladness

32If you are willing, my child, you can be disciplined,

and if you apply yourself you will become clever.

33If you love to listen you will gain knowledge,

and if you pay attention you will become wise.

34Stand in the company of the elders.

Who is wise? Attach yourself to such a one.

35Be ready to listen to every godly discourse,

and let no wise proverbs escape you.

36If you see an intelligent person, rise early to visit him;

let your foot wear out his doorstep.

37Reflect on the statutes of the Lord,

and meditate at all times on his commandments.

It is he who will give insight to6.37 Heb: Gk will confirm your mind,

and your desire for wisdom will be granted.