1. HEAR, MY sons, the instruction of a father, and pay attention in order to gain and to know intelligent discernment, comprehension, and interpretation [of spiritual matters].
2. For I give you good doctrine [what is to be received]; do not forsake my teaching.
3. When I [Solomon] was a son with my father [David], tender and the only son in the sight of my mother [Bathsheba],
4. He taught me and said to me, Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments and live. [I Chron. 28:9; Eph. 6:4.]
5. Get skillful and godly Wisdom, get understanding (discernment, comprehension, and interpretation); do not forget and do not turn back from the words of my mouth.
6. Forsake not [Wisdom], and she will keep, defend, and protect you; love her, and she will guard you.
7. The beginning of Wisdom is: get Wisdom (skillful and godly Wisdom)! [For skillful and godly Wisdom is the principal thing.] And with all you have gotten, get understanding (discernment, comprehension, and interpretation). [James 1:5.]
8. Prize Wisdom highly and exalt her, and she will exalt and promote you; she will bring you to honor when you embrace her.
9. She shall give to your head a wreath of gracefulness; a crown of beauty and glory will she deliver to you.