So teach us to number our days, so that we may get a heart of wisdom.
And He said to mankind, ‘The fear of the Lord —that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.”’
My heart was hot within me, while I was musing, the fire burned. Then I spoke with my tongue:
“Let me know, Adonai, my end and what the number of my days is. Let me know how short-lived I am.
How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver.
Incline your ear and listen to the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge.
Apply your heart to discipline and your ears to words of knowledge.
Acquire truth and do not sell it, acquire wisdom, instruction and understanding.
Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
Wisdom is supreme—acquire wisdom! With all your acquisitions, get understanding.
Better to go to a house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, since that is the end of all mankind —and the living should take it to heart.
Whatever your hand finds to do, do with all your strength, for there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, where you are going.
We must do the work of the One who sent Me, so long as it is day! Night is coming when no one can work.
“If they were wise, they would discern this, they would understand their hereafter.