Proverbs 4:1-14

¹Hear, O sons, a father's instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight,a

²for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching.b

³When I was a son with my father, tender, the only one in the sight of my mother,

⁴he taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live.c

⁵Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.d

⁶Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you.e

⁷The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.f

⁸Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her.

⁹She will place on your head a graceful garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.”

¹⁰Hear, my son, and accept my words, that the years of your life may be many.

¹¹I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness.g

¹²When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble.h

¹³Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life.i

¹⁴Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil.j