מדרש על משלי 3:2

(Fol. 71) I will walk before the Lord in the lands of the living (Ps. 116, 9). R, Juda said: "This refers to the market-places [where food is purchased]." (Prov. 3, 2) For length of days, and years of life, and peace, will they add for thee. Are there then years of life, and years not of life? R. Elazar said: "These refer to the years of man when his circumstances change from bad to good." (Ib. 8, 4:) Unto you, O men, I call. R. Brachiya said: "This refers to scholars, who are weak like women who sit in humbleness and perform feats as men do." R. Brachiya also said: "He who wishes to [be credited as though he would] bring a drink-offering on the altar, should let scholars drink [of his] wine." R. Brachiya said also: "When a man observes that learning ceases from his sons, he should marry a scholar's daughter, for it is said (Job 14, 8-9) If even its root (Ib. b) become old in the earth, and its stock die in the dust, yet through the scent of water will it flourish again, and produce boughs as though it were newly planted."