9 Hear the commandments of life, O Israel;

give ear, and learn wisdom!

10 Why is it, O Israel, why is it that you are in the land of your enemies,

that you are growing old in a foreign country,

that you are defiled with the dead,

11 that you are counted among those in Hades?

12 You have forsaken the fountain of wisdom.

13 If you had walked in the way of God,

you would be dwelling in peace for ever.

14 Learn where there is wisdom,

where there is strength,

where there is understanding,

that you may at the same time discern

where there is length of days, and life,

where there is light for the eyes, and peace.

15 Who has found her place?

And who has entered her storehouses?