She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy [blessed, considered fortunate, to be admired] is everyone who holds her tightly.

He taught me and said to me,
“Let your heart hold fast my words;
Keep my commandments and live.

Take hold of instruction; [actively seek it, grip it firmly and] do not let go.
Guard her, for she is your life.

Her feet go down to death;
Her steps take hold of Sheol (the nether world, the place of the dead),

The people curse him who holds back grain [when the public needs it],
But a blessing [from God and man] is upon the head of him who sells it.

Even a [callous, arrogant] fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise;
When he closes his lips he is regarded as sensible (prudent, discreet) and a man of understanding.

[The judge tells the creditor], “Take the clothes of one who is surety for a stranger;
And hold him in pledge [when he guarantees a loan] for foreigners.”

Rescue those who are being taken away to death,
And those who stagger to the slaughter, Oh hold them back [from their doom]!

[The judge tells the creditor,] “Take the garment of one who is surety (guarantees a loan) for a stranger;
And hold him in pledge when he is surety for an immoral woman [for it is unlikely the debt will be repaid].”

A [shortsighted] fool always loses his temper and displays his anger,
But a wise man [uses self-control and] holds it back.

She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands hold the spindle [as she spins wool into thread for clothing].