1
Do not become an enemy in place of a companion, for an evil name inherits shame and reproach; so it is with the double-tongued sinner.
2
Do not lift yourself up by the counsel of your own being, lest your being be torn apart like a bull.
3
You shall consume your leaves, destroy your fruit, and leave yourself like a dried tree.
4
An evil being destroys the one possessing it and makes him a delight to his enemies.
5
A sweet throat multiplies companions, and gracious speech multiplies peaceful greetings.
6
Let those at shalom with you be many, but let your counselor be one from a thousand.
7
If you acquire a companion, acquire him through testing, and do not trust him quickly.
8
For there is a companion for his own occasion who shall not remain in the day of your distress.
9
There is a companion who turns into an enemy and uncovers the battle of your reproach.
10
There is a companion who shares the table yet shall not remain in the day of your distress.
11
In your prosperity he shall be as yourself and speak freely to those of your house.
12
If you are humbled, he shall stand against you and hide himself from your face.
13
Separate yourself from your enemies, and be watchful even with your companions.
14
A trustworthy companion is a strong covering; one who finds him has found a treasure.
15
Nothing can be exchanged for a trustworthy companion, and no scale can weigh his beauty.
16
A trustworthy companion is medicine for life, and those who fear Yahuah shall find him.
17
One who fears Yahuah makes his companionship upright, for as he is, so also is his companion.
18
My son, choose discipline from your youth, and until gray hairs you shall find wisdom.
19
Draw near to her like one who plows and sows, and wait for her good fruit. You labor only a little in cultivating her, and quickly you shall eat from her produce.
20
She is exceedingly harsh to the undisciplined, and one without heart shall not remain with her.
21
She shall be upon him like a heavy stone of testing, and he shall not delay in casting her away.
22
For wisdom is according to her name, yet she is not manifest to many.
23
Hear, my son, and receive my judgment; do not reject my counsel.
24
Bring your feet into her fetters and your neck into her collar.
25
Lower your shoulder and bear her; do not be distressed by her bonds.
26
Draw near to her with all your being, and guard her Ways with all your strength.
27
Trace her out and seek her, and she shall become known to you; when you have taken hold, do not release her.
28
For at the end you shall find her rest, and she shall be transformed into gladness for you.
29
Her fetters shall become your strong covering, and her collars a garment of honor.
30
A golden ornament rests upon her, and her bonds are a cord of blue-violet.
31
You shall clothe yourself with her as a garment of honor and place upon yourself a crown of rejoicing.
32
If you are willing, my son, you shall be disciplined; if you give your being to it, you shall become skillful.
33
If you love to hear, you shall receive; if you incline your ear, you shall become wise.
34
Stand among a multitude of elders; whoever is wise, cling to him.
35
Desire to hear every account concerning the divine, and do not let proverbs of understanding escape you.
36
If you behold an ish of understanding, rise early toward him, and let your foot wear away the steps of his doorway.
37
Consider the statutes of Yahuah and meditate continually in His Commands. He Himself shall establish your heart, and the desire for wisdom shall be given to you.