16
A faithful friend is the medicine of life; and they that fear the Lord shall find him.
17
Whoso feareth the Lord shall direct his friendship aright: for as he is, so shall his neighbour be also.
18
My son, gather instruction from thy youth up: so shalt thou find wisdom till thine old age.
19
Come unto her as one that ploweth and soweth, and wait for her good fruits: for thou shalt not toil much in labouring about her, but thou shalt eat of her fruits right soon.
20
She is very unpleasant to the unlearned: he that is without understanding will not remain with her.
21
She will lie upon him as a mighty stone of trial; and he will cast her from him ere it be long.
22
For wisdom is according to her name, and she is not manifest unto many.
23
Give ear, my son, receive my advice, and refuse not my counsel,
24
And put thy feet into her fetters, and thy neck into her chain.
25
Bow down thy shoulder, and bear her, and be not grieved with her bonds.
26
Come unto her with thy whole heart, and keep her ways with all thy power.
27
Search, and seek, and she shall be made known unto thee: and when thou hast got hold of her, let her not go.
28
For at the last thou shalt find her rest, and that shall be turned to thy joy.
29
Then shall her fetters be a strong defence for thee, and her chains a robe of glory.
30
For there is a golden ornament upon her, and her bands are purple lace.
31
Thou shalt put her on as a robe of honour, and shalt put her about thee as a crown of joy.
32
My son, if thou wilt, thou shalt be taught: and if thou wilt apply thy mind, thou shalt be prudent.
33
If thou love to hear, thou shalt receive understanding: and if thou bow thine ear, thou shalt be wise,
34
Stand in the multitude of the elders; and cleave unto him that is wise.
35
Be willing to hear every godly discourse; and let not the parables of understanding escape thee.
36
And if thou seest a man of understanding, get thee betimes unto him, and let thy foot wear the steps of his door.