¹⁰ The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words, and that which was written blamelessly, words of truth.

¹⁵ The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

⁵ because of the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the Gospel,

¹¹ Most assuredly I tell you, we speak that which we know, and testify of that which we have seen, and you don't receive our witness.

¹ Since many have undertaken to set in order a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us,

² even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us,

³ it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus;

⁴ that you might know the certainty concerning the things in which you were instructed.

¹ The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem:

¹¹ A word fitly spoken Is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

¹² As an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, So is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.

¹⁷ Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise. Apply your heart to my teaching.

¹⁸ For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you, If all of them are ready on your lips.

¹⁹ That your trust may be in Yahweh, I teach you today, even you.

²⁰ Haven't I written to you thirty excellent things Of counsel and knowledge,

²¹ To teach you truth, reliable words, To give sound answers to the ones who sent you?

²¹ The wise in heart shall be called prudent. Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction.

²² Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, But the punishment of fools is their folly.

²³ The heart of the wise instructs his mouth, And adds learning to his lips.

²⁴ Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

²⁶ Yahweh detests the thoughts of the wicked, But the thoughts of the pure are pleasing.

²³ Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth. How good is a word at the right time!

⁶ Hear, for I will speak excellent things. The opening of my lips is for right things.

⁷ For my mouth speaks truth. Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

⁸ All the words of my mouth are in righteousness. There is nothing crooked or perverse in them.

⁹ They are all plain to him who understands, Right to those who find knowledge.

¹⁰ Receive my instruction rather than silver; Knowledge rather than choice gold.

¹ The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel:

² To know wisdom and instruction; To discern the words of understanding;

³ To receive instruction in wise dealing, In righteousness, justice, and equity;

⁴ To give prudence to the simple, Knowledge and discretion to the young man:

⁵ That the wise man may hear, and increase in learning; That the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel:

⁶ To understand a proverb, and parables, The words and riddles of the wise.

¹² I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.