Proverbs 2:1-15

My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you, So that your ear is attentive to [skillful and godly] wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding [seeking it conscientiously and striving for it eagerly]; Yes, if you cry out for insight, And lift up your voice for understanding; If you seek skillful and godly wisdom as you would silver And search for her as you would hidden treasures; Then you will understand the [reverent] fear of the LORD [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] And discover the knowledge of God. [Prov 1:7] For the LORD gives [skillful and godly] wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores away sound wisdom for the righteous [those who are in right standing with Him]; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity [those of honorable character and moral courage], He guards the paths of justice; And He preserves the way of His saints (believers). [1 Sam 2:9; Ps 66:8, 9] Then you will understand righteousness and justice [in every circumstance] And integrity and every good path. For [skillful and godly] wisdom will enter your heart And knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will watch over you, Understanding and discernment will guard you, To keep you from the way of evil and the evil man, From the man who speaks perverse things; From those who leave the paths of uprightness To walk in the ways of darkness; Who find joy in doing evil And delight in the perversity of evil, Whose paths are crooked, And who are devious in their ways