Happy [blessed, considered fortunate, to be admired] is the man who finds [skillful and godly] wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding and insight [learning from God’s word and life’s experiences],

“Get [skillful and godly] wisdom! Acquire understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation]!
Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.

“The beginning of wisdom is: Get [skillful and godly] wisdom [it is preeminent]!
And with all your acquiring, get understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation].

Wounds and disgrace he will find,
And his reproach (blame) will not be blotted out.

He who corrects and instructs a scoffer gets dishonor for himself,
And he who rebukes a wicked man gets insults for himself.

The righteous is rescued from trouble,
And the wicked takes his place.

The lazy man does not catch and roast his prey,
But the precious possession of a [wise] man is diligence [because he recognizes opportunities and seizes them].

The soul (appetite) of the lazy person craves and gets nothing [for lethargy overcomes ambition],
But the soul (appetite) of the diligent [who works willingly] is rich and abundantly supplied.

He who neglects and ignores instruction and discipline despises himself,
But he who learns from rebuke acquires understanding [and grows in wisdom].

How much better it is to get wisdom than gold!
And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.

When the scoffer is punished, the naive [observes the lesson and] becomes wise;
But when the wise and teachable person is instructed, he receives knowledge.

He who oppresses or exploits the poor to get more for himself
Or who gives to the rich [to gain influence and favor], will only come to poverty.

Or you will learn his [undisciplined] ways
And get yourself trapped [in a situation from which it is hard to escape].

Buy truth, and do not sell it;
Get wisdom and instruction and understanding.

Prepare your work outside
And get it ready for yourself in the field;
Afterward build your house and establish a home.

He who increases his wealth by interest and usury (excessive interest)
Gathers it for him who is gracious to the poor.

She rises also while it is still night
And gives food to her household
And assigns tasks to her maids.