2  ^bTo know wisdom and ^cinstruction,

to understand words of insight,

3  to ^dreceive instruction in wise dealing,

in ^erighteousness, justice, and equity;

4  to ^fgive prudence to the ^gsimple,

knowledge and discretion to the youth—

5  Let the wise hear and ^hincrease in learning,

and the one who understands obtain guidance,

6  to understand a ⁱproverb and a saying,

^jthe words of the wise and their riddles.

7  ^kThe fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;

fools despise wisdom and ^linstruction.

13  ^xBlessed is the one who finds wisdom,

and the one who gets understanding,

14  for the gain from her is ^ybetter than gain from ^zsilver

and her profit better than gold.

15  She is more precious than jewels,

and ^anothing you desire can compare with her.

16  Long life is in her right hand;

in her left hand are riches and honor.

17  Her ways are ways of pleasantness,

and all her paths are peace.

18  She is a ^btree of life to those who ^clay hold of her;

those who hold her fast are called blessed.