1. My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and lay up my commandments with thee;
2. So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
3. Yea, if thou cry after discernment, and lift up thy voice for understanding;
4. If thou seek her as silver, and search for her as for hid treasures;
5. Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.
6. For the Lord giveth wisdom; out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding:
7. He layeth up sound wisdom for the upright, he is a shield to them that walk in integrity;
8. That he may guard the paths of judgment, and preserve the way of his saints.
9. Then shalt thou understand righteousness and judgment, and equity, yea, every good path.