“Because I called and you refused [to answer],
I stretched out my hand and no one has paid attention [to my offer];

Because they hated knowledge
And did not choose the fear of the Lord [that is, obeying Him with reverence and awe-filled respect],

“Stolen waters (pleasures) are sweet [because they are forbidden];
And bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”

By the blessing [of the influence] of the upright the city is exalted,
But by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.

Abundant food is in the fallow (uncultivated) ground of the poor,
But [without protection] it is swept away by injustice.

Wine is a mocker, strong drink a riotous brawler;
And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.

The violence of the wicked will [return to them and] drag them away [like fish caught in a net],
Because they refuse to act with justice.

The wicked become a ransom for the righteous,
And the treacherous in the place of the upright [for they fall into their own traps].

He who loves purity of heart
And whose speech is gracious will have the king as his friend.

My son, eat honey, because it is good,
And the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste.

Do not get upset because of evildoers,
Or be envious of the wicked,

Charm and grace are deceptive, and [superficial] beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the Lord [reverently worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect], she shall be praised.