Submission to Wisdom
11 Wisdom will exalt her children and take hold of those who seek her.
12
Whoever loves her loves life. Those who wake early for her will be filled with gladness.
13
Those who possess her will inherit glory. The Lord blesses the place where they enter.
14
Those who serve her will serve the holy one; the Lord loves those who love her.
15
Whoever obeys her will judge nations. Whoever is devoted to her will live with confidence.
16
If they persevere in faith, they will inherit her, and their descendants will possess her.
17
At first she will walk in twists and turns with them. She will bring fear and dread upon them, and she will torture them with her discipline until she trusts them completely. She will test them with her commandments,
18
and again she will come straight back to them, make them glad, and reveal to them her secrets.
19
If they go astray, she will leave them behind and hand them over to their downfall.
Shame and speech
20 Watch closely for the right opportunity, be on guard against evil, and don't be ashamed of yourself.
21
There's a kind of shame that brings about sin, and there's a kind of shame that brings good reputation and favor.
22
Don't show partiality to your own hurt, and don't show respect to your own downfall.
23
Don't keep from speaking in a time of need,
24
for wisdom will show itself in one's speech, and education through one's words.
25
Don't contradict the truth, but don't be ashamed when you don't know the answer.
26
Don't be ashamed to confess your sins, and don't force the flow of a river.
27
Don't lower yourself before a fool, and don't show partiality toward the powerful.
28
Fight to the death on behalf of truth, and the Lord God will fight for you.
29
Don't be bold to speak, but sluggish and slack when it comes to action.
30
Don't be like a lion in your house, putting on airs among your household slaves.
31
Don't stretch your hand out to receive and withdraw it when it is time to pay back.