8 “aPrize her, and she will exalt you;

She will honor you if you embrace her.

9 “She will place aon your head a garland of grace;

She will present you with a crown of beauty.”

10 Hear, my son, and aaccept my sayings

And the byears of your life will be many.

11 I have adirected you in the way of wisdom;

I have led you in upright paths.

12 When you walk, your asteps will not be impeded;

And if you run, you bwill not stumble.

13 aTake hold of instruction; do not let go.

Guard her, for she is your blife.

14 aDo not enter the path of the wicked

And do not proceed in the way of evil men.

15 Avoid it, do not pass by it;

Turn away from it and pass on.

16 For they acannot sleep unless they do evil;

And 1they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble.

17 For they aeat the bread of wickedness

And drink the wine of violence.