O happy is the man who hears
Instruction’s warning voice;
And who celestial Wisdom makes
his early, only choice.

For she has treasures greater far
than east or west unfold;
And her rewards more precious are
than all their stores of gold.

In her right hand she holds to view
a length of happy days;
Riches with splendid honours
are what her left displays.

She guides the young with innocence,
in pleasure’s paths to tread,
A crown of glory she bestows
upon the hoary head.

According as her labours rise,
so her rewards increase;
Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
And all her paths are peace.

Scottish Psalter and Paraphrases