The wise will hear and increase their learning,
And the person of understanding will acquire wise counsel and the skill [to steer his course wisely and lead others to the truth],

He stores away sound wisdom for the righteous [those who are in right standing with Him];
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity [those of honorable character and moral courage],

My son, let them not escape from your sight,
But keep sound wisdom and discretion,

“Counsel is mine and sound wisdom;
I am understanding, power and strength are mine.

She has sent out her maidens, she calls
From the highest places of the city:

Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
So is the lazy one to those who send him to work.

As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout,
So is a beautiful woman who is without discretion [her lack of character mocks her beauty].

A rebellious man seeks only evil;
Therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him.

He who [willfully] separates himself [from God and man] seeks his own desire,
He quarrels against all sound wisdom.

To let you know the certainty of the words of truth,
That you may give a correct answer to him who sent you?

Through [skillful and godly] wisdom a house [a life, a home, a family] is built,
And by understanding it is established [on a sound and good foundation],

Like the cold of snow [brought from the mountains] in the time of harvest,
So is a faithful messenger to those who send him;
For he refreshes the life of his masters.

Stone is heavy and the sand weighty,
But a fool’s [unreasonable] wrath is heavier and more burdensome than both of them.