1 My son, if you receive my words,
And ^atreasure my commands within you, ‡

2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom,
And apply your heart to understanding;

3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
And lift up your voice for understanding,

4 ^aIf you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures; ‡

5 ^aThen you will understand the fear of the Lord,
And find the knowledge of God. ‡

6 ^aFor the Lord gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; ‡

7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
^aHe is a shield to those who walk uprightly; ‡

8 He guards the paths of justice,
And ^apreserves the way of His saints. ‡

9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice,
Equity and every good path.

10 When wisdom enters your heart,
And knowledge is pleasant to your soul,

11 Discretion will preserve you;
^aUnderstanding will keep you, ‡