(14) You will find true success when you find me, for I have insight into wise plans that are designed just for you. I hold in my hands living-understanding, courage, and strength. They're all ready and waiting for you.

(1) Stick close to my instruction, my son, and follow all my advice. (2) If you do what I say you will live well. Guard your life with revelation-truth, for my teaching is as precious as your eyesight. (3) Treasure my instructions, and cherish them within your heart. (4) Say to wisdom, "I love you," and to understanding, "You're my sweetheart." (5) "May the two of you protect me, and may we never be apart!" For they will keep you from the adulteress, with her smooth words meant to seduce your heart. (24) So listen to me you young men. You better take my words seriously!

(11) By making excuses you'll learn what it means to go without. Poverty will pounce on you like a bandit and move in as your roommate for life.

(1) Listen to me, my son, for I know what I'm talking about. Listen carefully to my advice (2) so that wisdom and discernment will enter your heart, and then the words you speak will express what you've learned.

(20) Listen carefully, my dear child, to everything that I teach you, and pay attention to all that I have to say. (21) Fill your thoughts with my words until they penetrate deep into your spirit. (22) Then, as you unwrap my words, they will impart true life and radiant health into the very core of your being. (23) So above all, guard the affections of your heart, for they affect all that you are. Pay attention to the welfare of your innermost being, for from there flows the wellspring of life. (24) Avoid dishonest speech and pretentious words. Be free from using perverse words no matter what!