And instead of a friend become not an enemy;

2 Exalt not thyself in the counsel of thy soul;

3 Thou shalt eat up thy leaves, and destroy thy fruits,

4 A wicked soul shall destroy him that hath gotten it,

5 Sweet words will multiply a man’s friends;

6 Let those that are at peace with thee be many;

7 If thou wouldest get thee a friend, get him by proving,

8 For there is a friend that is so for his own occasion;

9 And there is a friend that turneth to enmity;

10 And there is a friend that is a companion at the table;

11 And in thy prosperity he will be as thyself,

12 If thou shalt be brought low, he will be against thee,

13 Separate thyself from thine enemies;

14 A faithful friend is a strong defense;

15 There is nothing that can be taken in exchange for a faithful friend;

16 A faithful friend is a medicine of life;

17 He that feareth the Lord directeth his friendship aright;

18 My son, gather instruction from thy youth up:

19 Come unto her as one that ploweth and soweth,

20 How exceeding harsh is she to the unlearned!

21 As a mighty stone of trial shall she rest upon him;

22 For wisdom is according to her name; and she is not manifest unto many.

23 Give ear, my son, and accept my judgment,

24 And bring thy feet into her fetters,

25 Put thy shoulder under her, and bear her,

26 Come unto her with all thy soul,

27 Search, and seek, and she shall be made known unto thee;

28 For at the last thou shalt find her rest;

29 And her fetters shall be to thee for a covering of strength,

30 For there is a golden ornament upon her,

31 Thou shalt put her on as a robe of glory,

32 My son, if thou wilt, thou shalt be instructed;

33 If thou love to hear, thou shalt receive;

34 Stand thou in the multitude of the elders;

35 Be willing to listen to every godly discourse;

36 If thou seest a man of understanding, get thee betimes unto him,

37 Let thy mind dwell upon the ordinances of the Lord,