16 A faithful friend is a medicine for life and immortality; and those who fear the Lord will find one.
17 He who fears God will have a similar good friendship, because his friend will be like him.
18 Son, from your youth receive instruction, and then you will find wisdom, even to your grey hairs.
19 Approach wisdom like one who plows and sows, and then wait for her good fruits.
20 For in doing her work, you will labor a little, but you will soon eat from her produce.
21 How exceedingly harsh is wisdom to unlearned men! And so, the witless will not remain with her.
22 She will be to them like a great stone of trial, and they will cast her away from them without delay.