1You will inherit a bad name, disgrace, and shame; so it is with the evil, two-faced man.
2Do not fall into the hand of your own desire, lest your strength be torn from you.
3It will devour your leaves and destroy your fruit, and leave you like a dry tree.
4For a fierce soul destroys its owner and makes him the delight of his enemies.
5A pleasant palate multiplies friends, and gracious lips, friendly greetings.
6Let those at peace with you be many, but your confidant, one in a thousand.
7If you acquire a friend, acquire him through testing, and do not be quick to trust him.
8For there is a friend for a season, who will not stand firm in the day of trouble.
9There is a friend who turns into an enemy and will expose your shameful quarrels.
10There is a friend who is a companion at the table, but will not be found in the day of adversity.
11In your prosperity, he is just like you, but in your adversity, he will keep his distance from you.
12If adversity overtakes you, he will turn against you and hide himself from you.
13Separate yourself from your enemies, and be on guard with your friends.
14A faithful friend is a strong friend, and whoever finds one has found wealth.
15A faithful friend is priceless, and his goodness is beyond measure.
16A faithful friend is a bundle of life; one who fears God will find him.
17For as he is, so is his friend; and as his name is, so are his deeds.
18My son, from your youth receive instruction, and you will find wisdom until your old age.
19Approach her like a plowman and a reaper, and hope for her abundant harvest. For you will labor little in her service, and tomorrow you will eat her fruit.
20She is difficult for the fool, and the heartless cannot endure her.
21She will be like a heavy stone upon him, and he will not delay in casting her off.
22For discipline is like its name, and it is not apparent to many.
23A potter’s vessel is tested by the furnace’s fire, and so is a man by his reasoning.
24Through the cultivation of a tree comes its fruit; so is a thought from a single purpose.
25Bend your shoulder and carry her, and do not be vexed by her bonds.
26Approach her with your whole soul, and keep her ways with all your strength.
27Inquire and search, seek and find her; and when you have laid hold of her, do not let her go.
28For in the end you will find rest in her, and she will turn to delight for you.
29Her net will become a strong foundation for you, and her ropes, a garment of gold.
30Her yoke upon you is a golden yoke, and her bonds are a thread of blue.
31You will wear her as a garment of glory, and she will be your crown of splendor.
32If you desire it, my son, you will become wise; and if you apply your mind, you will become clever.
33If you are willing to listen, you will learn, and if you incline your ear, you will be instructed.
34Be eager to hear every discourse, and let no proverb of understanding escape you.
35See who is discerning and seek him at dawn; let your foot wear out the steps of his door.
36Contemplate the fear of the Most High, and meditate always on his commandments.
37Then he will give your heart understanding, and your desire for wisdom he will grant.
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