¹⁴ The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouths of fools feed on folly.

⁶ Solomon said, You have shown to your servant David my father great loving kindness, according as he walked before you in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with you; and you have kept for him this great loving kindness, that you have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.

⁷ Now, Yahweh my God, you have made your servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child; I don't know how to go out or come in.

⁸ Your servant is in the midst of your people which you have chosen, a great people, that can't be numbered nor counted for multitude.

⁹ Give your servant therefore an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this your great people?

¹⁰ The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.

¹¹ God said to him, Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked for yourself long life, neither have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice;

¹² behold, I have done according to your word: behold, I have given you a wise and an understanding heart; so that there has been none like you before you, neither after you shall any arise like you.

¹¹ Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of the mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.

¹ Ephraim feeds on wind, And chases the east wind. He continually multiplies lies and desolation. They make a covenant with Assyria, And oil is carried into Egypt.

²⁰ He feeds on ashes; a deceived heart has turned him aside; and he can't deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?

¹⁰ who tell the seers, "Don't see;" and to the prophets, "Don't prophesy to us right things, speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceits,

¹⁵ The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

²³ A prudent man keeps his knowledge, But the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.

⁹ Instruct a wise man, and he will be still wiser. Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.

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

¹⁰⁰ I understand more than the aged, Because I have kept your precepts.

⁹⁷ How love I your law! It is my meditation all day.

¹⁸ But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.