1 Do not become an enemy instead of a friend;
For you shall inherit an evil name, shame, and reproach;
Even as a sinner that has a double tongue.
2 Do not exalt yourself in the counsel of your own heart;
That your being be not torn in pieces as a bull.
3 You shall consume your leaves, and lose your fruit,
And leave yourself as a dry tree.
4 A wicked being shall destroy he who possesses,
And shall cause him to be laughed to scorn by his enemies.
5 Sweet words shall multiply friends,
And a favourable tongue shall increase kind greetings.
6 Be at peace with many;
But have just one counsellor in a thousand.
7 If you would get a friend,
prove him first and do not be hasty to trust him.
8 For a certain man is a friend for his own occasion,
And shall not remain in the day of your trouble.
9 And there is a friend, who being turned to enmity,
shall cause strife and uncover your reproach.
10 Again, there is a friend, a companion at the table,
But shall not continue in the day of your affliction.
11 When you are prosperous he shall be as you are,
And shall be bold over your servants.
12 If you are brought low, he shall be against you,
And shall hide himself from your face.
13 Separate yourself from your enemies,
And be on guard with your friends.
14 A trustworthy friend is a strong defence;
And he who has found such a one has found a treasure.
15 There is none that makes up for a trustworthy friend,
And his worth is invaluable.
16 A trustworthy friend is the healing of life;
And those who revere 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 shall find Him.
17 Whoever reveres 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 directs his friendship well;
For as he is, so shall his neighbour be also.
18 My son, gather instruction from your youth onward;
So you shall gain wisdom till your old age.
19 Come to her as one that plows and sows, and wait for her good fruit;
For you shall not toil much in labouring over her,
But you shall eat of her fruit soon enough.
20 She is very unpleasant to the unlearned;
He who is without understanding shall not remain with her.
21 She shall lay upon him as a mighty stone of trial;
And he shall throw her from him before long.
22 For wisdom is according to her name,
And she is not revealed to many.
23 Listen my son, receive my advice,
And do not refuse my counsel,
24 And put your feet into her shackles,
And your neck into her chain.
25 Bow down your shoulder, and bear her,
And do not be grieved with her bonds.
26 Come to her with your whole heart,
And guard her ways with all your strength.
27 Search and seek, and she shall be made known unto you;
And when you have taken hold of her, do not let her go.
28 For in the end you shall find her rest,
And that shall turn out for your joy.
29 Then her shackles shall be a strong defence for you,
And her chains a robe of esteem.
30 For there is a golden ornament upon her,
And her bands are purple lace.
31 You shall put her on as a robe of esteem,
And shall lay her upon you as a crown of joy.
32 My son, if you allow, you shall be taught;
And if you apply your mind, you shall be clever.
33 If you love to listen, you shall receive understanding;
And if you bow your ear, you shall be wise,
34 Stand in the group of the elders;
And cling to he who is wise.
35 Be willing to hear every worthy discourse;
And do not let the parables of understanding escape you.
36 And if you see a man of understanding,
Get yourself to him early,
And let your feet wear out his doorstep.
37 Let your mind be upon the Laws of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄,
And consider His Commands continually;
He shall establish your heart, and give you the wisdom you desire.