Neither become an enemy after thou hast been a friend; for an evil name inheriteth shame and reproach; like the sinner with a double tongue. And a friend who partaketh of thy table, yet standeth not fast in the day of thy distress. He shall be as thy equal in thy riches, and shall be bold among thy household. A faithful friend is a medicine of life. And they that fear the Lord shall find him like a tiller and a sower. Receive her, and wait for her good fruits.

Be not too proud in the thoughts of thy heart, lest thou be stripped of thyself; for thou labourest but little in her tillage, and eatest of her fruits quickly, for Wisdom is as her name, and is not manifest to many; and they that know her, she continueth in them unto the vision of God. And put thy feet into her fetters, and thy neck into her collar. Bow down thy shoulder and bear her, and be not grieved with her chains. Seek and search, and she shall be made known unto thee; and if thou hast won her, neglect her not. For in thine end thou shalt find her rest, and she shall be turned unto thy delight.

For thou shalt eat thy leaves and destroy thy tracks, and leave thyself like dried wood.

An evil soul destroyeth its owner, and maketh him a laughingstock to his enemies.

A sweet mouth multiplyeth friends: and a gracious tongue gathereth many companions.

Let those that are at peace with thee be many: but thy counsellors, one of a thousand.

If thou wouldst get a friend, get him by probation, and trust him not quickly.

For there is a friend for his day, but he continueth not in the day of thy distress.

And there is a friend that turneth to enmity, and will discover thy reproach to thy contention.

But if thou be brought low, he will be against thee, and will hide himself from thy face.

Withdraw thyself from thine enemies: and take heed of thy friends.

A faithful friend is a strong defence: and he that hath found him hath found a treasure.

A faithful friend can be compared to nothing: and his worth is beyond estimation.

He that feareth the Lord shall find a good friendship: for his friend shall be as himself.

My son, receive instruction from thy youth up: so shalt thou find wisdom till thine old age.

How difficult is it unto the uninstructed! For he that is without understanding will not continue therein.

For she will be unto him as a heavy trial stone: and he will not tarry to cast her off.

Hear, O my son, and receive my judgment, and reject not my counsel.

Come unto her with all thy soul, and keep her ways with all thy might.

So her fetters shall be to thee for a strong defence, and her chains for a glorious raiment.

For upon her are ornaments of gold, and her chains are a thread of scarlet.

Thou shalt put her on as a robe of splendour, and place her on thee as a crown of joy.

If thou be willing, my son, thou shalt be taught; and if thou yield, thou shalt become cunning.

If thou love to hear, thou shalt receive; and if thou incline thine ear, thou shalt be wise.

Stand in the multitude of the elders, and if there be any wise man, cleave unto him. Be desirous to hear every divine discourse, and let not the parables of understanding escape thee.

And if thou seest a man of understanding, get thee betimes unto him, and let thy foot wear the steps of his door.

Meditate upon the precepts of the Lord, and be continually conversant in his commandments: he shall establish thine heart, and grant thee thy desire of wisdom.