1If you fear the Lord

and obey his Law,

you will find Wisdom

when you search.

2She will care for you

like your own mother

and welcome you, as a bride

welcomes her husband.

3And instead of something

to eat and drink,

she will give you wisdom

and understanding.

4You can depend on her

to keep you from disgrace.

5She will tell you what to say,

and you will be honored

because of your wise speeches

in town meetings.

6Your life will be happy,

and you will be remembered

for all time.

7But fools and sinners

will never find Wisdom.

8She won't come near the proud

or enter the mind of a liar.

9That's why the Lord

refuses to accept praise

from sinners.

10Only the wise can offer

acceptable praise.

Choosing How To Live

11 The Lord hates it when you say

that he forced you to sin.

12And he doesn't like sinners,

so don't claim he tempted you

to become one.

13The Lord and all who fear him

hate disgusting sins.

14The Lord created us humans,

and from the very beginning,

he gave us the ability

to choose how we will live.

15You are able to obey his Law

if you really want to,

and you can please him

by being faithful.

* 16Life and death are as different

as fire and water,

17and the Lord will give you

whichever you choose.

18The Lord is extremely wise

and tremendously powerful.

He can see all things--

19every deed that we do--

and if we fear him,

he will watch over us.

20He has neither commanded

nor given permission for anyone

to be evil or to sin.