2 For the lengths of days, the years of life, and the world they shall add to thee.

3 Let mercy and truth not leave thee: bind them around thy neck, and write them on the tablet of thy heart,

4 and thou shalt find mercy and favor in the sight of God and men.

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.

6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and shun evil;

8 It shall be health to thy body, and nourishment to thy bones.

9 Honour the Lord from thy possessions, and from the firstfruits of all thy gains,

10 And thy barns shall be filled to an abundance, and thy winepresses shall be overflowing with new wine.

11 Do not reject the chastisement of the Lord, my son, neither be burdened with his chastisement;

12 For whom the Lord loves, he chastens, and delights in him as a father to his son.

13 Blessed is the man who has gained wisdom, and the man who has gained understanding,

14 For the acquisition of it is better than the acquisition of silver, and the profit of it is greater than that of gold;

15 it is more precious than precious stones; [no evil can resist it; it is well known to all who approach it,] and nothing that you desire can compare with it.

16 Long life is in her right hand, and in her left is riches and glory; [Out of her mouth comes righteousness; she beareth law and mercy on her tongue;]

17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peaceful.

18 She is the tree of life to those who acquire her, and blessed are those who keep her!

19 The Lord founded the earth in wisdom, and established the heavens with understanding;

20 By his wisdom the depths are opened, and the clouds are sprinkled with dew.

21 My son! do not let them go out of your sight; keep your sanity and prudence,

22 And they shall be life to thy soul, and an ornament to thy neck.