1
Don’t become an enemy instead of a friend;
2
Don’t exalt yourself in the counsel of your soul,
3
You will eat up your leaves, destroy your fruit,
4
A wicked soul will destroy him who has it,
5
Sweet words will multiply a man’s friends.
6
Let those that are at peace with you be many,
7
If you want to gain a friend, get him in a time of testing,
8
For there is a friend just for an occasion.
9
And there is a friend who turns into an enemy.
10
And there is a friend who is a companion at the table,
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In your prosperity he will be as yourself,
12
If you are brought low, he will be against you,
13
Separate yourself from your enemies,
14
A faithful friend is a strong defence.
15
There is nothing that can be taken in exchange for a faithful friend.
16
A faithful friend is a life-saving medicine.
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He who fears the Lord directs his friendship properly;
18
My son, gather instruction from your youth up.
19
Come to her as one who ploughs and sows
20
How exceedingly harsh she is to the unlearned!
21
She will rest upon him as a mighty stone of trial.
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For wisdom is according to her name.
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Give ear, my son, and accept my judgement.
24
Bring your feet into her fetters,
25
Put your shoulder under her and bear her.
26
Come to her with all your soul.
27
Search and seek, and she will be made known to you.
28
For at the last you will find her rest;
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Her fetters will be to you for a covering of strength,
30
For there is a golden ornament upon her, and her bands are [a]a purple cord.
31
You shall put her on as a robe of glory,
32
My son, if you are willing, you will be instructed.
33
If you love to hear, you will receive.
34
Stand in the multitude of the elders.
35
Be willing to listen to every godly discourse.
36
If you see a man of understanding, get to him early.
37
Let your mind dwell on the ordinances of the Lord