1My son, if you accept my words†
and store up my commands within you,
2listening closely† to wisdom
and directing your heart to understanding;
3furthermore, if you call out to insight
and lift your voice to understanding,
4if you seek it like silver
and search for it like hidden treasure,†
5then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and discover the knowledge of God.
6For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.†
7He stores up success† for the upright;
He is a shield for those who live with integrity†
8so that he may guard the paths of justice
and protect the way of his faithful followers.†
9Then you will understand righteousness, justice,
and integrity — every good path.
10For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will delight you.
11Discretion will watch over you,
and understanding will guard you.†
12It will rescue you from the way of evil —
from anyone who says perverse things,
13from those who abandon the right paths
to walk in ways of darkness,†