17 I made progress therein;

to him who gives wisdom I will give glory.

18 For I resolved to live according to wisdom,z

and I was zealous for the good;

and I shall never be put to shame.

19 My soul grappled with wisdom,*

and in my conduct I was strict;a

I spread out my hands to the heavens,

and lamented my ignorance of her.

20 I directed my soul to her,

and through purification I found her.

I gained understandingb with her from the first,

therefore I will not be forsaken.

21 My heart was stirred to seek her,

therefore I have gained a good possession.

22 The Lord gave me a tongue as my reward,

and I will praise him with it.

23 Draw near to me, you who are untaught,

and lodge in my school.

24 Why do you say you are lacking in these things,c

and why are your souls very thirsty?

25 I opened my mouth and said,

Get these thingsd for yourselves without money.

26 Put your neck under the yoke,

and let your souls receive instruction;

it is to be found close by.

27 See with your eyes that I have labored little

and found myself much rest.