So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain;
Greed takes away the lives of its possessors.

“Then they will call upon me (Wisdom), but I will not answer;
They will seek me eagerly but they will not find me,

If you seek skillful and godly wisdom as you would silver
And search for her as you would hidden treasures;

“I love those who love me;
And those who seek me early and diligently will find me.

The perverse in heart are repulsive and shamefully vile to the Lord,
But those who are blameless and above reproach in their walk are His delight!

Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles,
But he who gathers gradually by [honest] labor will increase [his riches].

Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
But when desire is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.

Acquiring treasures by a lying tongue
Is a fleeting vapor, the seeking and pursuit of death.

Those who linger long over wine,
Those who go to taste mixed wine.

“They struck me, but I was not hurt!
They beat me, but I did not feel it!
When will I wake up?
I will seek more wine.”

It is not good to eat much honey,
Nor is it glorious to seek one’s own glory.

Evil men do not understand justice,
But they who long for and seek the Lord understand it fully.

The righteous man cares for the rights of the poor,
But the wicked man has no interest in such knowledge.

The bloodthirsty hate the blameless [because of his integrity],
But the upright are concerned for his life.

Many seek the ruler’s favor,
But justice for man comes from the Lord.

She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry.
Her clothing is linen, pure and fine, and purple [wool].