10. Be like a father to orphans,and take the place of a husband to widows.Then God will call you his child,and he will be merciful to you and deliver you from the pit.
11. Wisdom teaches her childrenand admonishes all who can understand her.
12. Those who love her love life;those who seek her out win the Lord’s favor.
13. Those who hold her fast will attain glory,and they shall abide in the blessing of the Lord.
14. Those who serve her serve the Holy One;those who love her the Lord loves.
15. “Whoever obeys me will judge nations;whoever listens to me will dwell in my inmost chambers.
16. If they remain faithful, they will possess me;their descendants too will inherit me.
17. “I will walk with them in disguise,and at first I will test them with trials.Fear and dread I will bring upon themand I will discipline them with my constraints.When their hearts are fully with me,
18. then I will set them again on the straight pathand reveal my secrets to them.
19. But if they turn away from me, I will abandon themand deliver them over to robbers.”
20. My son, watch for the right time; fear what is evil;do not bring shame upon yourself.
21. There is a shame heavy with guilt,and a shame that brings glory and respect.