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let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—
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If they say, “Come along with us; let’s lie in wait for innocent blood, let’s ambush some harmless soul;
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let’s swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
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we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder;
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cast lots with us; we will all share the loot”—
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my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths;
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they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.
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but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”
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Moral Benefits of Wisdom
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,
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Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words,
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Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
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Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
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Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;
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then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
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She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.
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by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.
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My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion;
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Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.
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Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”— when you already have it with you.
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Do not accuse anyone for no reason— when they have done you no harm.
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Then he taught me, and he said to me, “Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live.
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She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.”
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Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.
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Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;
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Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.
