Proverbs

¹²For whom the Lord loves He corrects, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights. ¹³Happy (blessed, fortunate, enviable) is the man who finds skillful and godly Wisdom, and the man who gets understanding [drawing it forth from God's Word and life's experiences], ¹⁴For the gaining of it is better than the gaining of silver, and the profit of it better than fine gold. ¹⁵Skillful and godly Wisdom is more precious than rubies; and nothing you can wish for is to be compared to her. [Job 28:12-18.] ¹⁶Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand are riches and honor. [Prov. 8:12-21; I Tim. 4:8.] ¹⁷Her ways are highways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. ¹⁸She is a tree of life to those who lay hold on her; and happy (blessed, fortunate, to be envied) is everyone who holds her fast.