| 1 Whoever fears the Lord wil act like this, and whoever grasps the Law wil obtain wisdom. |
| 2 She will come to meet him like a mother, and receive him like a virgin bride. |
| 3 She will give him the bread of understanding to eat, and the water of wisdom to drink. |
| 4 He will lean on her and wil not fal , he wil rely on her and not be put to shame. |
| 5 She will raise him high above his neighbours, and in ful assembly she wil open his mouth. |
| 6 He will find happiness and a crown of joy, he wil inherit an everlasting name. |
| 7 Fools wil not gain possession of her, nor will sinners set eyes on her. |
| 8 She stands remote from pride, and liars cannot cal her to mind. |
| 9 Praise is unseemly in a sinner's mouth, since it has not been put there by the Lord. |
| 10 For praise should be uttered only in wisdom, and the Lord himself then prompts it. |
| 11 Do not say, 'The Lord was responsible for my sinning,' for he does not do what he hates. |
| 12 Do not say, 'It was he who led me astray,' for he has no use for a sinner. |
| 13 The Lord hates al that is foul, and no one who fears him will love it either. |
| 14 He himself made human beings in the beginning, and then left them free to make their own decisions. |
| 15 If you choose, you will keep the commandments and so be faithful to his wil . |
| 16 He has set fire and water before you; put out your hand to whichever you prefer. |
| 17 A human being has life and death before him; whichever he prefers wil be given him. |
| 18 For vast is the wisdom of the Lord; he is almighty and al -seeing. |
| 19 His eyes are on those who fear him, he notes every human action. |
| 20 He never commanded anyone to be godless, he has given no one permission to sin. |