1. Not so he that has applied his soul, And meditateth in the law of the Most High; He will seek out the wisdom of all the ancients, And will be occupied in prophecies.
2. He will keep the discourse of the men of renown, And will enter in amidst the subtilties of parables.
3. He will seek out the hidden meaning of proverbs, And be conversant in the dark sayings of parables.
4. He will serve among great men, And appear before him that rules: He will travel through the land of strange nations; For he has tried good things and evil among men.
5. He will apply his heart to resort early to the Lord that made him, And will make supplication before the Most High, And will open his mouth in prayer, And will make supplication for his sins.
6. If the great Lord will, He shall be filled with the spirit of understanding: He shall pour forth the words of his wisdom, And in prayer give thanks to the Lord.
7. He shall direct his counsel and knowledge, And in his secrets shall he meditate.
8. He shall show forth the instruction which he has been taught, And shall glory in the law of the covenant of the Lord.
9. Many shall commend his understanding; And so long as the world endures, it shall not be blotted out: His memorial shall not depart, And his name shall live from generation to generation.
10. Nations shall declare his wisdom, And the congregation shall tell out his praise.