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6:1  For a bad name will result in shame and reproach, as is the case of the double-tongued sinner.
6:2  Do not fall into the grip of passions, for these can tear you apart as if by a bull.
6:3  They will devour your foliage and destroy your fruit, and you will be left standing like a withered tree.
6:4  For evil passions destroy the one who harbors them and make him the laughingstock of his enemies.
6:5  Kindness in speech multiplies friends, and a gracious tongue leads to friendly responses.
6:6  Be at peace with many people, but allow only one in a thousand to be your adviser.
6:7  When you wish to acquire a new friend, first test him, and do not be too hasty to trust him.
6:8  One type of person is only a friend when it suits him, but at the first sign of trouble he will desert you.
6:9  Another type of friend will eventually become your enemy and shame you by making public your quarrel.
6:10  And still another will be your guest at table but will not stand by you in time of trouble.
6:11  When you are prospering, he is your second self and lords it over your servants;
6:12  however, if you are brought low, he will turn against you and avoid any contact with you.
6:13  Keep clear of your enemies and be wary of your friends.
6:14  A faithful friend is a sure shelter; anyone who finds one possesses a treasure.
6:15  A faithful friend is beyond price; there is no possible way to measure his worth.
6:16  A faithful friend is the elixir of life, and he who fears the Lord will find him.
6:17  He who fears the Lord directs his friendship aright, for as he is, so also will his neighbor be.
6:18  My child, choose instruction from your youth, and you will still possess wisdom when your hair turns to gray.
6:19  Approach her like one who plows and sows, and wait for her bountiful fruit. For in cultivating her you will labor but little, and very soon you will enjoy her harvest.
6:20  How harsh she seems to the undisciplined; the fool cannot abide her.
6:21  She will serve as a heavy stone to test him, and he will lose no time in casting her aside.
6:22  For wisdom is true to her name; she is not accessible to many.
6:23  Listen, my child, and take my advice; do not reject my counsel.
6:24  Put your feet into wisdom’s fetters and your neck into her collar.
6:25  Stoop to carry her on your shoulders, and do not complain about her bonds.
6:26  With all your soul approach her, and keep her ways with all your might.
6:27  If you search her out and follow her trail, she will make herself known, and once you have found her, do not let her go.
6:28  For in the end you will find your rest in her, and she will be turned into your joy.
6:29  Her fetters will serve as a strong defense for you and her collar as a magnificent robe.
6:30  Her yoke is a golden ornament, and her bonds a purple cord.
6:31  You will wear her like a robe of glory and bear her as your splendid crown.
6:32  If it is your wish, my child, you can be taught; if you apply yourself, you will become clever.
6:33  If you are willing to listen, you will learn, and if you pay attention, you will become wise.
6:34  When you frequent the company of the elders, if there is anyone who is wise, attach yourself to him.
6:35  Listen eagerly to every godly conversation; allow no expression of wisdom to escape you.
6:36  If you see a man of understanding, rise early to visit him; let your feet wear out his doorstep.
6:37  Reflect on the decrees of the Lord and constantly meditate on his commandments. He will enlighten your mind, and the wisdom you desire will be granted to you.