2. For their minds plot oppression and devise violence, and their lips talk of causing trouble and vexation.
3. Through skillful and godly Wisdom is a house (a life, a home, a family) built, and by understanding it is established [on a sound and good foundation],
4. And by knowledge shall its chambers [of every area] be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
5. A wise man is strong and is better than a strong man, and a man of knowledge increases and strengthens his power; [Prov. 21:22; Eccl. 9:16.]
6. For by wise counsel you can wage your war, and in an abundance of counselors there is victory and safety.
7. Wisdom is too high for a fool; he opens not his mouth in the gate [where the city's rulers sit in judgment].
8. He who plans to do evil will be called a mischief-maker.
9. The plans of the foolish and the thought of foolishness are sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to men.
10. If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.
11. Deliver those who are drawn away to death, and those who totter to the slaughter, hold them back [from their doom].
12. If you [profess ignorance and] say, Behold, we did not know this, does not He Who weighs and ponders the heart perceive and consider it? And He Who guards your life, does not He know it? And shall not He render to [you and] every man according to his works?
13. My son, eat honey, because it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste.
14. So shall you know skillful and godly Wisdom to be thus to your life; if you find it, then shall there be a future and a reward, and your hope and expectation shall not be cut off.
15. Lie not in wait as a wicked man against the dwelling of the [uncompromisingly] righteous (the upright, in right standing with God); destroy not his resting-place;
16. For a righteous man falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked are overthrown by calamity. [Job 5:19; Ps. 34:19; 37:24; Mic. 7:8.]
17. Rejoice not when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles or is overthrown,