1and do not be an enemy when you should be a friend. A bad reputation brings you the disgrace that lying sinners deserve. 2Do not let your passions carry you away; this can tear your soul to pieces like a bull. 3You will be left like a dead tree without any leaves or fruit. 4Evil desire will destroy you and make you a joke to your enemies.

Friendship

5If you are polite and courteous, you will enjoy the friendship of many people. 6Exchange greetings with many, but take advice from only one person out of a thousand. 7When you make friends, don't be too quick to trust them; make sure that they have proved themselves. 8Some people will be your friends only when it is convenient for them, but they won't stand by you in trouble. 9Others will fall out with you over some argument, and then embarrass you by letting everyone know about it. 10-11Others will sit at your table as long as things are going well; they will stick to you like your shadow and give orders to your servants, but they will not stand by you in trouble. 12If your situation takes a turn for the worse, they will turn against you, and you won't be able to find them anywhere.

13Stay away from your enemies and be on guard against your friends. 14A loyal friend is like a safe shelter; find one, and you have found a treasure. 15Nothing else is as valuable; there is no way of putting a price on it. 16A loyal friend is like a medicine that keeps you in good health. Only those who fear the Lord can find such a friend. 17A person who fears the Lord can make real friendships, because he will treat his friends as he does himself.

Learn from Wisdom

18My child, learn to value Wisdom while you are young, and you will still be able to find her when you grow old. 19 Work as hard to find Wisdom as a farmer works to plow and plant his fields; then you can expect a good harvest. You will have to work at it for a while, but you will soon be enjoying what you have earned. 20Undisciplined people find Wisdom's demands too hard and don't have enough determination to meet them. 21Her requirements are a burden heavier than they are willing to bear, and they quickly lay them aside. 22"Discipline" means just that--discipline, and not many people are able to discipline themselves.

23My child, listen to me and take my advice. 24Put Wisdom's chains around your feet and her yoke around your neck. 25Carry her on your shoulder and don't be resentful of her bonds. 26Follow Wisdom, and keep to her ways with all your heart. 27Go looking for her, and she will reveal herself to you. Take hold of her and don't let go. 28Then you will discover the peace of mind she offers, and she will become your joy. 29-30The signs of slavery you wear will become signs of royal majesty. Her chains will be your protection, and you will wear her yoke like a magnificent robe. 31You will wear Wisdom like a splendid crown.

32My child, you can learn if you want to. You can be clever if you are determined to be. 33If you are willing to listen, you will learn and become wise. 34Go where the old people are; find someone who is wise, and stay with him. 35Be ready to listen when religious people speak, and don't miss anything that shows insight. 36If you find someone with understanding, get up early to call on him; wear out his doorstep with your visits.

37 Devote all your time to studying the Lord's commands and thinking about them. He will give you the insight and wisdom you are looking for.