1 Do not be ^aenvious of evil men,
Nor desire to be with them; ‡

2 For their heart devises violence,
And their lips talk of troublemaking.

3 Through wisdom a house is built,
And by understanding it is established;

4 By knowledge the rooms are filled
With all precious and pleasant riches.

5 ^aA wise man is strong,
Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength; ‡

6 ^aFor by wise counsel you will wage your own war,
And in a multitude of counselors there is safety. ‡

7 ^aWisdom is too lofty for a fool;
He does not open his mouth in the gate. ‡

8 He who ^aplots to do evil
Will be called a¹ schemer. ‡

9 The devising of foolishness is sin,
And the scoffer is an abomination to men.

10 If you ^afaint in the day of adversity,
Your strength is small. ‡

11 ^aDeliver those who are drawn toward death,
And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. ‡

12 If you say, “Surely we did not know this,”
Does not ^aHe who weighs the hearts consider it?
He who keeps your soul, does He not know it?
And will He not render to each man ^baccording to his deeds? ‡

13 My son, ^aeat honey because it is good,
And the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste; ‡

14 ^aSo shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul;
If you have found it, there is a¹ prospect,
And your hope will not be cut off. ‡