1 Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. |
2 For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. |
3 For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. |
4 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. |
5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. |
6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. |
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. |
8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. |
9 She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. |
10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. |
11 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. |
12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. |
13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life. |
