Anonymous (Septuagint) · a new plain-English translation from the original language
1| And do not become an enemy in place of a friend; for a wicked name inherits shame and reproach: so it is with the sinner of the double tongue.
2| Do not exalt yourself in the counsel of your own soul, lest your soul be torn apart like a bull.
3| You will devour your own leaves and destroy your own fruits, and you will leave yourself like a dried-up tree.
4| A wicked soul will destroy the one who owns it, and will make him the laughingstock of his enemies.
5| A sweet throat multiplies its friends, and a well-speaking tongue multiplies kind greetings.
6| Let those who are at peace with you be many, but your counselors be one in a thousand.
7| If you would gain a friend, gain him through testing, and do not trust him too quickly.
8| For there is a friend who is a friend only for his own season, and he will not remain with you in the day of your affliction.
9| And there is a friend who turns into an enemy, and he will uncover a quarrel to your disgrace.
10| And there is a friend who is a companion at table, and he will not remain with you in the day of your affliction.
11| In your good times he will be as you are, and he will speak boldly against your servants.
12| But if you are brought low, he will turn against you, and will hide himself from your face.
13| Separate yourself from your enemies, and be on guard concerning your friends.
14| A faithful friend is a strong shelter; and whoever has found one has found a treasure.
15| There is no price for a faithful friend, and there is no weight to measure his worth.
16| A faithful friend is a medicine of life, and those who fear the Lord will find him.
17| The one who fears the Lord keeps his friendship on a straight course, for as he himself is, so too is his neighbor.
18| Child, from your youth choose instruction, and until your grey hairs you will find wisdom.
19| Approach her like one who plows and one who sows, and wait for her good fruits; for in working her you will labor only a little, and soon you will eat of her produce.
20| How very harsh she is to the undisciplined, and the senseless man will not remain steady in her.
21| She will lie upon him like a heavy testing-stone, and he will not delay to throw her off.
22| For wisdom is true to her name, and she is not plain to see for many.
23| Hear, child, and accept my judgment, and do not refuse my counsel.
24| Put your feet into her fetters, and your neck into her collar.
25| Put your shoulder under her and carry her, and do not be irritated by her bonds.
26| Come to her with your whole soul, and keep her ways with all your strength.
27| Track her out and seek her, and she will be made known to you; and once you have taken hold of her, do not let her go.
28| For at the last you will find her rest, and she will turn for you into gladness.
29| And her fetters will become for you a shelter of strength, and her chains a robe of glory.
30| For she wears a golden adornment, and her restraints are woven of purple cord.
31| You will put her on as a robe of glory, and set upon yourself a crown of rejoicing.
32| If you are willing, child, you will be instructed, and if you give your soul to it, you will become shrewd.
33| If you love to listen, you will receive understanding, and if you incline your ear, you will become wise.
34| Stand in the assembly of the elders; and whoever is wise, cling to him.
35| Be willing to hear every discourse of God, and do not let sayings of understanding escape you.
36| If you see a man of understanding, rise early to visit him, and let your foot wear down the steps of his doors.
37| Ponder on the commandments of the Lord, and meditate at all times on his precepts; he himself will steady your heart, and the desire of wisdom will be given to you.