in order to safeguard ¹  discretion, ²  and that your lips may guard knowledge.

Have I not written thirty sayings ¹  for you, sayings ²  of counsel and knowledge,

I have not learned wisdom, nor do I have knowledge ¹  of the Holy One. ² 

So they say to God, ‘Turn away from us! We do not want to ¹  know your ways. ² 

My words come from the uprightness of my heart, ¹  and my lips will utter knowledge sincerely. ² 

Teach me proper discernment ¹  and understanding! For I consider your commands to be reliable. ² 

then you will understand ¹  how to fear the Lord, ²  and you will discover ³  knowledge ⁴  about God. ⁵ 

For wisdom will enter your heart, ¹  and moral knowledge ²  will be attractive ³  to you. ⁴ 

Receive my instruction ¹  rather than ²  silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold.

“I, wisdom, live with prudence, ¹  and I find ²  knowledge and discretion.

The beginning ¹  of wisdom is to fear the Lord, ²  and acknowledging ³  the Holy One ⁴  is understanding.

The scorner ¹  seeks wisdom but finds none, ²  but understanding is easy ³  for a discerning person.

For I delight in faithfulness, not simply in sacrifice; I delight ¹  in acknowledging God, not simply in whole burnt offerings. ² 

He is your constant source of stability; ¹  he abundantly provides safety and great wisdom; ²  he gives all this to those who fear him. ³ 

So I decided ¹  to discern the benefit of ²  wisdom and knowledge over ³  foolish behavior and ideas; ⁴  however, I concluded ⁵  that even ⁶  this endeavor ⁷  is like ⁸  trying to chase the wind! ⁹ 

Whatever you find to do with your hands, ¹  do it with all your might, because there is neither work nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom in the grave, ²  the place where you will eventually go. ³ 

I thought to myself, ¹  “I have become much wiser ²  than any of my predecessors who ruled ³  over Jerusalem; ⁴  I ⁵  have acquired much wisdom and knowledge.” ⁶ 

For to the one who pleases him, ¹  God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy, but to the sinner, he gives the task of amassing ²  wealth ³  – only to give ⁴  it ⁵  to the one who pleases God. This ⁶  task of the wicked ⁷  is futile – like chasing the wind!

They seek me day after day; they want to know my requirements, ¹  like a nation that does what is right and does not reject the law of their God. They ask me for just decrees; they want to be near God.