[1] And instead of a friend become not an enemy; For an evil name shall inherit shame and reproach: Even so shall the sinner that has a double tongue.
[2] Exalt not thyself in the counsel of your soul; That your soul be not torn in pieces as a bull:
[3] You shall eat up your leaves, and destroy your fruits, And leave thyself as a dry tree.
[4] A wicked soul shall destroy him that has gotten it, And shall make him a laughingstock to his enemies.
[5] Sweet words will multiply a man's friends; And a fair-speaking tongue will multiply courtesies.
[6] Let those that are at peace with you be many; But your counselors one of a thousand.
[7] If you would get you a friend, get him by proving, And be not in haste to trust him.
[8] For there is a friendthat is so for his own occasion; And he will not continue in the day of your affliction.
[9] And there is a friend that turns to enmity; And he will discover strife to your reproach.
[10] And there is a friend that is a companion at the table; And he will not continue in the day of your affliction.
[11] And in your prosperity he will be as thyself, And will be bold over your servants:
[12] If you shall be brought low, he will be against you, And will hide himself from your face.
[13] Separate thyself from your enemies; And beware of your friends.
[14] A faithful friend is a strong defence; And he that has found him has found a treasure.
[15] There is nothing that can be taken in exchange for a faithful friend; And his excellency is beyond price.
[16] A faithful friend is a medicine of life; And they that fear the Lord shall find him.
[17] He that feareth the Lord directeth his friendship aright; For as he is, so is his neighbor also.
[18] My son, gather instruction from your youth up: And even to hoar hairs you shall find wisdom.
[19] Come to her as one that ploweth and soweth, And wait for her good fruits; For your toil shall be little in the tillage of her, And you shall eat of her fruits right soon.
[20] How exceeding harsh is she to the unlearned! And he that is without understanding will not abide in her.
[21] As a mighty stone of trial shall she rest upon him; And he will not delay to cast her from him.
[22] For wisdom is according to her name; and she is not manifest to many.
[23] Give ear, my son, and accept my judgement, And refuse not my counsel,
[24] And bring your feet into her fetters, And your neck into her chain.
[25] Put your shoulder under her, and bear her, And be not grieved with her bonds.
[26] Come to her with all your soul, And keep her ways with your whole power.
[27] Search, and seek, and she shall be made known to you; And when you have got hold of her, let her not go.
[28] For at the last you shall find her rest; And she shall be turned for you into gladness..
[29] And her fetters shall be to you for a covering of strength, And her chains for a robe of glory.
[30] For there is a golden ornament upon her, And her bands are a riband of blue.
[31] You shall put her onas a robe of glory, And shall array you with heras a crown of rejoicing.
[32] My son, if you will, you shall be instructed; And if you will yield your soul, you shall be prudent.
[33] If you love to hear, you shall receive; And if you incline your ear, you shall be wise.
[34] Stand you in the multitude of the elders; And whoso is wise, cleave you to him.
[35] Be willing to listen to every godly discourse; And let not the proverbs of understanding escape you.
[36] If you see a man of understanding, get you betimes to him, And let your foot wear out the steps of his doors.
[37] Let your mind dwell upon the ordinances of the Lord, And meditate continually in his commandments: He shall establish your heart, And your desire of wisdom shall be given to you.