18 My son, gather instruction from your youth up.

Even when you have grey hair you will find wisdom.

19 Come to her as one who ploughs and sows

and wait for her good fruit;

for your toil will be little in her cultivation,

and you will soon eat of her fruit.

20 How exceedingly harsh she is to the unlearned!

He who is without understanding will not remain in her.

21 She will rest upon him as a mighty stone of trial.

He won’t hesitate to throw her from him.

22 Because wisdom is according to her name.

She isn’t manifest to many.

23 Give ear, my son, and accept my judgement.

Don’t refuse my counsel.

24 Bring your feet into her fetters,

and your neck into her chain.

25 Put your shoulder under her and bear her.

Don’t be grieved with her bonds.

26 Come to her with all your soul.

Keep her ways with your whole power.

27 Search and seek, and she will be made known to you.

When you get hold of her, don’t let her go.

28 Because at the last you will find her rest;

and she will be turned for you into gladness.

29 Her fetters will be to you for a covering of strength,

and her chains for a robe of glory.

30 Because there is a golden ornament upon her,

and her bands are a purple cord.[ref]

31 You shall put her on as a robe of glory,

and shall put her on as a crown of rejoicing.

32 My son, if you are willing, you will be instructed.

If you will yield your soul, you will be prudent.

33 If you love to hear, you will receive.

If you incline your ear, you will be wise.

34 Stand in the multitude of the elders.

Attach yourself to whomever is wise.

35 Be willing to listen to every godly discourse.

Don’t let the proverbs of understanding escape you.

36 If you see a man of understanding, get to him early.

Let your foot wear out the steps of his doors.

37 Let your mind dwell on the ordinances of the master

and meditate continually on his commandments.

He will establish your heart

and your desire for wisdom will be given to you.