1Instead of a friend become not an enemy; for thereby you shall inherit an ill name, shame, and reproach: even so shall a sinner that has a double tongue.

2Extol not yourself in the counsel of your own heart; that your soul be not torn in pieces as a bull straying alone.

3You shall eat up your leaves, and lose your fruit, and leave yourself as a dry tree.

4A wicked soul shall destroy him that has it, and shall make him to be laughed to scorn of his enemies.

5Sweet language will multiply friends: and a fairspeaking tongue will increase kind greetings.

6Be in peace with many: nevertheless have but one counsellor of a thousand.

7If you would get a friend, prove him first and be not hasty to credit him.

8For some man is a friend for his own occasion, and will not abide in the day of your trouble.

9And there is a friend, who being turned to enmity, and strife will discover your reproach.

10Again, some friend is a companion at the table, and will not continue in the day of your affliction.

11But in your prosperity he will be as yourself, and will be bold over your servants.

12If you be brought low, he will be against you, and will hide himself from your face.

13Separate yourself from your enemies, and take heed of your friends.

14A faithful friend is a strong defence: and he that has found such an one has found a treasure.

15Nothing does countervail a faithful friend, and his excellency is invaluable.

16A faithful friend is the medicine of life; and they that fear the Lord shall find him.

17Whoso fears the Lord shall direct his friendship aright: for as he is, so shall his neighbor be also.

18My son, gather instruction from your youth up: so shall you find wisdom till your old age.

19Come to her as one that plows and sows, and wait for her good fruits: for you shall not toil much in laboring about her, but you shall eat of her fruits right soon.

20She is very unpleasant to the unlearned: he that is without understanding will not remain with her.

21She will lie upon him as a mighty stone of trial; and he will cast her from him ere it be long.

22For wisdom is according to her name, and she is not manifest to many.

23Give ear, my son, receive my advice, and refuse not my counsel,

24And put your feet into her fetters, and your neck into her chain.

25Bow down your shoulder, and bear her, and be not grieved with her bonds.

26Come to her with your whole heart, and keep her ways with all your power.

27Search, and seek, and she shall be made known to you: and when you have got hold of her, let her not go.

28For at the last you shall find her rest, and that shall be turned to your joy.

29Then shall her fetters be a strong defence for you, and her chains a robe of glory.

30For there is a golden ornament upon her, and her bands are purple lace.

31You shall put her on as a robe of honor, and shall put her about you as a crown of joy.

32My son, if you will, you shall be taught: and if you will apply your mind, you shall be prudent.

33If you love to hear, you shall receive understanding: and if you bow your ear, you shall be wise,

34Stand in the multitude of the elders; and cleave to him that is wise.

35Be willing to hear every godly discourse; and let not the parables of understanding escape you.

36And if you see a man of understanding, get you betimes to him, and let your foot wear the steps of his door.

37Let your mind be upon the ordinances of the Lord and meditate continually in his commandments: he shall establish your heart, and give you wisdom at your owns desire.